Category Archives: Social Psychology

Articles on the study of individuals in the social context.

Barry Schwartz: The Paradox of Choice (Video)

American psychologist Barry Schwartz makes the case that while having some choice is good; having too many options can promote paralysis and dissatisfaction. He argues that excessive, complicated choices can lead to regret and anticipated regret, opportunity costs, escalation of expectations and self-blame. Schwartz also discusses global economic problems and proposes income redistribution between societies with too many options and those with too few options, resulting in significant benefits for everyone.

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It Doesn’t Take Long To Pick Up the Toys When Everyone Helps

cooperation in business

Cooperation isn’t just a “nice-to-do,” it is a survival mechanism for organizations. It also appears that it is the same for the human species. Our evolution has depended on our willingness and ability to cooperate. Continue reading

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Susan Cain: The Power of Introverts (Video)

In this video Susan Cain distinguishes between introversion and shyness, and discusses the current cultural bias which favors extroversion in schools and in the workplace. She argues that solitude is often an essential ingredient for independent thinking and that introverts should not be stigmatized for seeking it out. Cain also emphasizes the point that introverts are a vital creative resource in tackling current world problems and that their talents and abilities should be encouraged and celebrated.

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Why Do Children and Teenagers Exclude Peers From Their Cliques?

Children and Social Exclusion

Just as it is common for youths to form friendship cliques, it is also common for some kids to be left out. Much research has paid attention to what it is like to be rejected or excluded. However a new study by Holly Recchia and her team took an unusual approach, they asked children and adolescents to relate the times that they had excluded someone, and then to give reasons for their actions. Continue reading

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The Perception of Attractiveness – Alcohol Makes You Hotter

Alcohol increases attractiveness

Attractiveness is one of the most important signals of mate quality as it suggests the presence of good genes and good physical health. However, it is often claimed that drunken individuals perceive members of the opposite sex as being more attractive than they would when sober. This has resulted in a number of experiments being carried out to investigate the apparent shift in perception. Continue reading

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Cognitive Dissonance: How Bullies Rationalize Their Behavior Toward Their Victims

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuCNQFZ-H4E

By now, you’ve heard (and were probably outraged) by the kids who mercilessly bullied Karen Klein, a 68-year-old New York bus monitor, this past June. The students tormented Karen mercilessly and after the video was posted to YouTube (shown above), the story gained international attention and left most folks shaking their heads in utter disbelief. Continue reading

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