Psychology
Abusive Behavior May Be Contagious Among Police
New research on the Chicago Police Department finds that working with fellow cops who have been accused of excess force increases the odds that an officer will face similar charges later on.
In Study, People in Police Uniforms More Likely to Shoot Unarmed Targets
Putting on a uniform impacts some people's mindset and behavior in problematic ways.
Viewing Pornography Increases Unethical Behavior, According to New Research
It's possible that watching people perform sex acts can lead us to dehumanize others.
Taking a Music Course Could Help Students Boost Grades in Other Subjects
Research on 112,000 Canadian students finds that high schoolers who took more music courses did better in math, science, and English.
Men With Highly Masculine Faces and Voices Are Less Likely to Care About the Environment
Those rugged looks may be attractive, but a new study links them to anti-environmental attitudes.
Fear-Based Climate Appeals Can Be Counterproductive
New research suggests that environmental groups can persuade more people by focusing on a positive attitude toward climate action.
A Fear of 'White Extinction' Is Provoking Racial Bias Among American Whites
New research finds those fears in turn provoke racial bias and support for conservative policy positions.
Talking About White Privilege Can Reduce Liberals' Sympathy for Poor White People
New research finds that social liberals who read about the phenomenon are subsequently less forgiving toward poor whites.
Creating Art Can Bring Neural and Spiritual Benefits
Returning to art after 25 years of being a working mother has changed the way I see the world—and myself.
Calling Addiction a Disease Can Sometimes Hamper Recovery
New research finds that an empowering message, emphasizing a person's potential to manage addictions, is much more helpful.
One Reason Why White People in Southern States Still Have a Higher Rate of Bias Against Black Americans
New research finds that white Americans are more likely to hold unconscious biases against black Americans if their home region was once heavily dependent on slavery.
How to Get People to Recycle: Show Them the Results
Giving consumers an idea of what a can or glass might be transformed into makes them far more likely to recycle it.
How Overconfidence Among the Upper Classes Is Hampering Social Mobility
New research finds that high self-regard can come across as competence to potential employers.
Responsive Unions Help Make Work Feel More Meaningful
New research finds that the boons of union membership can extend beyond wages and benefits.
Even Gen Z'ers Are Starting to Believe Clichés About Gen Z
There's no scientific consensus that today's young people are especially narcissistic or self-involved, but the public has bought into the notion.
A Simple Way to Reduce Harassment in Online Discussion Groups
New research finds that prominently posting community rules can make a big difference in deterring trolls.
Political Passion Inspires Trust—Even From Opponents
New research finds that your peers—including your opponents—will respect your integrity if you speak emphatically about the social issues that matter to you.
The Most Racist People Are Also the Most Likely to Underestimate Their Racism
New research finds that the famous Dunning-Kruger Effect extends to the way we think about our own racism and sexism.
Real Men Don't Learn Other Languages
New research finds many men view learning a second language as a feminine pursuit.
Youth Suicides Spiked Following the Release of '13 Reasons Why'
A new study suggests that public-health concerns over the popular Netflix series were justified.
Is Generation Z More Scared Than Earlier Generations?
The messages they're getting in the media are terrifying—and the sustained sense of real threats could leave this generation with psychological scars.
Stop Associating Video Games With Youth Gun Violence
Separating our conversations about school shootings from our conversations about video games will improve our approach to both.
There's a Crisis of Reading Among Generation Z
As young people read less and less, they may be short-circuiting their reading brains.
Want to See a Green New Deal Succeed? Good. Start at Home.
Making changes to our diet today can help prepare us for a carbon-neutral future—while pushing our peers to be greener in their own lives.