The APS Global Observer
Bringing you news and information about psychological science and scientists throughout the world
The Global Observer (GO), published monthly by the Association for Psychological Science (APS) bridges geographical and scientific boundaries within psychological science and with other disciplines. Click here for the latest issue.
Each issue includes a mix of research summaries, news items, commentary, and "Editor's Choice," highlighting outstanding articles from top international journals. Click here for the complete list of "Editor's Choice" selections.
GO is sent to APS members and the members of European subdisciplinary organizations that APS is partnering with in a joint effort to connect ideas and people in today's exciting psychological science enterprise. Click here for additional information on this initiative.
Note: Another project emerging from this effort is the APS Postdoc Exchange, a free searchable resource to advertise postdoctoral research and training positions from around the world, particularly in the US and Europe.
Editor's Choice
Heritability in the Era of Molecular Genetics
Today it seems to be common knowledge that most behavioral and psychological traits have a heritable genetic component. But what does it really mean when a study says that the heritability of Trait X is 46%? Do you know? Do researchers know? ... More>
Writing Tip: Better “You” Than “I”
Do readers responded differently to stories depending upon whether they are narrated from the perspective of ‘‘you’’ or ‘‘I’’? Recent research published in the Journal of Cognitive Psychology offers some tips for writers who want to impact their readers. ... More>
Act Your Age
There is no denying that in Western society, youth is valued. It is estimated that in 2008, more than £16 billion was spent on anti-aging products the United Kingdom. In 2006, Americans spent over $45 billion on cosmetics, plastic surgery, and hormone therapy. Despite this massive effort to combat aging, there is little research on the social consequences of attempting to look younger.... More>
Your Brain on Injustice
In a recent article published in the European Journal of Personality, Anna Baumert and her coauthors suggested justice-sensitive people develop unique conceptions of injustice that influence their thoughts about justice.... More>
Beauty in the Brain of the Beholder
Why is it that what one art critic considers a masterpiece looks like a child’s finger painting to someone else? Psychological scientists are looking for answers by analyzing art, society, More>
Insight on Out-of-Body Experiences
When you hear “out-of-body experience,” you probably think of hallucinations caused by drugs or a mental instability, but a new study published in Elsevier’s Cortex suggests that out-of-body experiences (OBEs) occur in nonclinical populations as well.... More>
