The Pacific Standard Guide to Gift Giving
Panicked about some last-minute Christmas shopping? Don't worry, we've got you covered.
Human Behavior
New Research Finds Political Radicals Harbor an Inflexible Cognitive Style That Transcends Political Views
Radicals are less able to recognize when they're wrong, even in a task having nothing to do with politics.
How a Volatile Climate Shapes the Way People Think
New research finds that people living in climatically turbulent regions tend to make riskier decisions than those in relatively more stable environments.
Thrill-Seeking Is an Overlooked Catalyst for Political Violence
New research pinpoints how the desire for excitement inspires support for violent extremism.
Residents of Politically Divided Counties Give Less to Charity
New research finds higher levels of philanthropy in ideologically homogeneous areas.
Parental Leave Laws Encourage Breastfeeding
However, new research finds this effect is limited to wealthier women.
Uber Increases Mass Transit Ridership
New research finds the ride-sharing service is more of a complement to public transportation than a substitute.
Altruists Make More Money and Have More Kids
There's more evidence that selfishness is self-defeating.
Virtual Reality Can Increase Empathy for the Homeless
New research finds it's an effective way to step into the shoes of someone less fortunate.
You Don't Really Want that Burger—You Want Higher Social Status
An evolutionary leftover makes it hard to convince people to shift to a vegetarian diet.
States With a Higher Percentage of Right-Handed Residents Tend to Lean Republican
In describing political preference, "right" and "left" may be more than a metaphor.
Won't You Be My Climate-Conscious Neighbor?
New research suggests social comparison can be an effective way to reduce energy consumption.
Moral Outrage Can Backfire When It Goes Viral
As negative comments accumulate, they start to come across as bullying—even if they're justified.
A Study Finds Democrats Are Least Likely to Use Ashley Madison
Members of the Libertarian Party were the most likely, according to analysis of hacked data from Ashley Madison.
For Epileptics, Mozart May Be Medicinal
New research confirms listening to a much-studied Mozart sonata has an anti-epileptic effect on children.
You Can Deny Free Will Exists and Not Be a Jerk
New research finds no relationship between ethical behavior and belief—or disbelief—in free will.
We Continue to Sense Danger Even When Threats Decrease
New research finds when a situation gets less dangerous, we fail to perceive the positive shift.
For All the Benefits of Studying Mathematics, Some Critics See a Dark Side
Could the objective assurance in correct answers mandated in mathematics education teach students to be similarly calculating and assured when it comes to daily moral conundrums?
There's a Distinct Brain Function Behind Prejudice
New neural research could help us design better anti-prejudice interventions.
News on Scary Subjects Gets More Negative as It Spreads
New research finds reintroducing objective facts into the conversation doesn't mitigate this effect.
Another Reason to Not Call People 'Animals'
New research suggests those who internalize the insult are more likely to act in unethical ways.
The Link Between Creativity and Emotional Intelligence
New research finds the ability to recognize and manage feelings is beneficial to the creative process.
Social Pressure Can Change Minds, Even on Divisive Issues
New research uses Joe Paterno to make a point.
Poverty May Be Bad for the Brain
Research finds evidence that brains age faster among people of lower socioeconomic status.