Beliefs
A Cult Expert Finds Familiar Patterns of Behavior in Trump's GOP
What do you call an organization where total loyalty to a charismatic but volatile leader is strictly enforced?
The Subtle Bias That Underlies Our Ideological Leanings
Our reflexive approach to explaining the world strongly predicts our political orientation.
The Unique Danger of Implied Misinformation
New research suggests it's harder to dislodge vague implications than overtly stated errors.
Study: Half of Americans Believe at Least 1 Conspiracy Theory
New research suggests the belief in unseen plots is surprisingly widespread.
Why Do Different States Have Wildly Different Ideas About Government?
For the most part, Americans are in broad agreement about political concepts. We believe that individuals have certain natural rights, and that the purpose of government is to serve and protect its citizens. But when you get to the specifics....
Red ‘Facts,’ Blue ‘Facts’: The Psychology of Truthiness
New research finds our moral convictions strongly influence what facts we choose to believe regarding a given issue.
How to Keep the Devil From Getting More Than His Due
Historians discover that the devil in the ancient texts is not nearly as frightening as the one who gives us the shakes in movies.
Myth of the Modern Religious War
While religion is a popular motif for describing national or international strife, a closer look suggests that's really just a veneer for less spiritual issues.
Devout Believers Get Most Benefit From Religion
New research finds the well-documented link between religiosity and happiness applies only to those whose faith is robust.
Doubt Causes Advocacy to Become Stronger
New research suggests one reason our political discourse is so loud and angry: Planting seeds of doubt leads people to more vigorously advocate for their cherished beliefs.
Justifying What You Know Can't Be True
Researchers looking at al-Qaeda and Saddam Hussein explore why it is that people often steadfastly believe something even when they've been shown it ain't so.