Economics Looking for a Promotion? Pure Motivations Produce the Best Results A new study of West Point cadets finds those driven by purely internal motivations were the most likely to succeed. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice More Evidence That Music Talent Is Largely Innate New research on twins finds nature and nurture interact to produce accomplished musicians. A second study suggests chimps might be among their fans. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice Accurately or Not, Conservatives Perceive Themselves as United New research suggests this impression of consensus can cut two ways, inspiring both activism and a false sense of confidence. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice For Some, Worry Inspires Creativity In a new study, neurotic people did better on a creativity task after thinking about a worrisome incident. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice How to Design an Effective Plea for Donations Two new studies suggest an image of a single needy child is most effective, so long as you avoid the temptation to go with the most photogenic victims. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice The Comforting Presence of the Facebook Icon The social network's logo can serve as a symbol of emotional connection when it is most needed. Tom Jacobs
Education A Lifetime of Intellectual Stimulation Staves Off Dementia Turning to brainy pursuits in later years also helps delay the onset of the dreaded condition, according to a new study. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice I’d Never Admit That to My Doctor. But to a Computer? Sure New research finds patients are more likely to respond honestly to personal questions when talking to a virtual human. Tom Jacobs
Economics Slavery’s Legacy: Race-Based Economic Inequality Two European researchers find a link between county-level slavery in 1860 and economic inequality today. Tom Jacobs
Social Justice New Evidence of Mental Benefits From Music Training Harvard-based researchers find a link between early musical training and cognitive capacities that allow for planned, controlled behavior. Tom Jacobs