Members in the Media
From: WAMU

‘It’s About Human Nature’: What Science Tells Us About Being A Bandwagon Nats Fan

We’ve all done it. We’ve jumped on the bandwagon because something became popular.

Many people in the region are now jumping on the Nationals’ bandwagon as they head to the World Series this week.

Social psychologists such as American University professor Trina Ulrich describe the desire to join trends and popular celebrations as the Bandwagon Effect.

“[It’s] essentially a psychological phenomenon that happens when people are doing something because others are doing it already,” Ulrich said.

It has to do with a psychology term called dispositional hope. It’s the belief that you can achieve personal goals.

Read the whole story (subscription may be required): WAMU

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