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.
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Articles on Social psychology
Displaying 1 - 20 of 33 articles
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.
Making sense of the Scalia conspiracy theory
How do rational people get sucked into believing conspiracies? According to research, we're more susceptible than you'd think.
Intersectionality: how gender interacts with other social identities to shape bias
No one is only their sex or only their race or only their sexual orientation. Social psychologists are starting to investigate how people of multiple minority groups are perceived.
The science behind why so many women want to befriend gay men
Research shows that women are especially drawn to gay men in certain contexts.
Why is it so tough for some to exorcise the ghosts of their romantic pasts?
New research highlights how the pain of a breakup can linger for years.
Gossip is a social skill – not a character flaw
Evolutionary psychology explains how humans evolved to become gossips.
To talk or not to talk? The dilemma of suicide contagion
Learning about a friend's suicide attempt appears to transform the distant idea of suicide into something very real.
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Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology, UNSW
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Professor of Psychology, University of Melbourne
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Chair and Professor of Psychology, Monmouth University
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Researcher in Crowd Behaviour, University of Brighton
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PhD Candidate, University of Melbourne
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Associate Professor of Communication, The Ohio State University
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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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