Trump’s climate policy may backfire, as he unwittingly plays an old psychologists’ trick
US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement might eventually be a good thing for the climate. Psychologists call this a 'paradoxical intervention'.
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Articles on Social psychology
Displaying 1 - 20 of 39 articles
Cultures fuse and connect, so we should embrace polyculturalism
Cultural diversity is an inescapable fact of modern life. How we should think about it is less obvious. Should we celebrate the multicultural rainbow, merge its colours into one – like a colour wheel spinning…
Aussies don’t always copy the US - unlike Americans, our self-esteem has stayed the same since the 70s
Consider three propositions about how Australians see themselves. Young people today, with their preening selfies and their sense of entitlement, have a higher opinion of themselves than previous generations…
What’s behind the fidget spinner fad?
Adults are dumbfounded – and according to an expert on fads, that's probably the point.
Australian values are hardly unique when compared to other cultures
There has been much talk recently about “Australian values”. The new citizenship test will require aspiring Australians to demonstrate they possess them, or can at least reproduce them under exam conditions…
The science of gossip: four ways to make it less toxic
Gossiping may well be toxic and harmful in certain situations but there are ways to engage in "good gossip" that can reap rewards in social groups.
Debunking the ‘gaydar’ myth
Previous studies have shown that people possess gaydar, the ability to discern who's gay and who isn't. But this research falls prey to an error that, when corrected, leads to the opposite conclusion.
Who counts as black?
With the number of multiracial Americans growing, there's a fierce debate in the black community over who's black – and who isn't.
New study: Did America’s growing diversity make voters more xenophobic?
Wittingly or not, Donald Trump may have exploited group threat to turn people's fears into votes.
Five things you need to know about giving and receiving gifts this Christmas
At least say thanks.
She phubbs me, she phubbs me not: Smartphones could be ruining your love life
Phone snubbing, or 'phubbing,' has become a real relationship downer.
Science deconstructs humor: What makes some things funny?
One viral video might leave you in stitches; another leaves you cold. Psychology researchers have worked out several theories of humor to explain why.
Is protectionism a ‘siren song’ to the poor or to the wealthy?
How can we explain that wealth is associated with protectionism and support for populist leaders?
Relationship advice from the government doesn’t help low-income couples – here’s what might
Relationship education programs are meant to strengthen low-income couples, with the idea children would benefit. But focusing on communication skills overlooks what really matters to these Americans.
What does social science say about how a female president might lead?
Studies can't predict an individual's behavior. But meta-analyses of social science research turn up differences in men's versus women's leadership styles, on average.
Research Check: is it true only half your friends actually like you?
A study claiming "only half your friends like you" made headlines last week. But the data support a humbler, and perhaps happier, story.
Five years after the English riots, we still don’t know why the violence spread
Sensationalist warnings of further riots abound. But while many social inequalities remain, we can't say whether more widespread violence will follow.
Is there a link between being in the closet and being homophobic?
Orlando shooter Omar Mateen's father has denounced homosexuality, while many say Mateen secretly grappled with his own sexuality. Here's what the research says on the relationship between parents' attitudes, being closeted and being homophobic.
In the wake of tragedy, Trump takes rhetoric of fear to a whole new level
Two experts in political rhetoric explain how one candidate has used rhetorical devices like framing and 'argumentum in terrorem' to stoke fear and attract voters since the Orlando nightclub shooting.
Can being a good storyteller lead to love?
Not everyone can weave a gripping tale. But for one gender, it matters more than the other.
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Professor of Psychology, University of Melbourne
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Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology, UNSW
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Chair and Professor of Psychology, Monmouth University
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Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of Delaware
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Provost Professor of Psychology and Marketing and co-director of the Dornsife Mind & Society Center, University of Southern California – Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
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