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New Research From Psychological Science
Read about the latest research published in Psychological Science: Attitudes Toward Arab Ascendance: Israeli and Global Perspectives Felicia Pratto, Tamar Saguy, Andrew L. Stewart, Davide Morselli, Rob Foels, Antonio Aiello, Maria Aranda, Atilla Cidam, Xenia Chryssochoou, Kevin Durrheim, Veronique Eicher, Laurent Licata, James H.
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Genes affect GCSE results. But your school can change how much they matter
The Telegraph: Last week a genetics experiment caused a bit of a stir. A study – a rigorous, well-grounded study – showed that genes count for 58 per cent variation in GCSE results. Genes are more important than home life, than school, than whether you are rich or poor. On reflection, all the excitement was a bit odd. We already know genes have power over behaviour. I mean, I’d understand the fuss if genes were suddenly found to cause 98 per cent variation. In fact I’d join the shouts of revolution. Genes are destiny! Don’t bother making your kid revise! Maybe find a different father, though, for the next one! But it’s only 58.
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Test Prep Doesn’t Help Raise Intelligence Scores
Scientific American: Young American students take a variety of standardized tests. But the ways that students are educated so that they’ll do well on such tests presents a problem. The preparation increases what’s called crystallized knowledge: that’s factual information, such as ‘the capital of Texas is Austin.’ But the tests do not enhance what is referred to as fluid intelligence: the ability to think logically or theoretically. That’s according to a study in the journal Psychological Science. Read the whole story: Scientific American
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Study: smartphone game shows baggage screeners likely to miss ultra-rare items
Wired: A study has used data collected from a smartphone game that allows users to act as airport baggage screeners to prove that ultra-rare items are highly susceptible to search errors. Cognitive psychologists from Duke University in North Carolina analysed data collected from a game called Airport Scanner, which was developed by Kedlin Company and tests gamers' visual scanning skills. Overall the team studied 20 million virtual suitcase search results collected between December 2012 and March 2013 and discovered that in the majority of cases, participants failed to identify objects which only occurred rarely.
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The Secret of Comedy Really Is Timing
Pacific Standard: Did you hear the one about Hurricane Sandy? Did you find it hilarious? Tasteless? Or just lame? Newly published research concludes the answer depends in part on exactly when the joke reached your ear, or inbox. An analysis of responses to humorous quips referencing last year’s devastating storm suggests the adage that “comedy equals tragedy plus time” needs to be modified. A research team led by University of Colorado psychologist A. Peter McGraw concludes that, at some specific point in the days and weeks after a horrible event, there is a “sweet spot” when we’re particularly likely to find humor in the darkness. Read the whole story: Pacific Standard
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Food Rituals
BBC: Does performing rituals improve the taste of food? Claudia Hammond investigates. Listen to the whole story: BBC
