In this article, I’m going to talk to you about dolls. I know what you’re thinking. This is not a typical video subject for me. Why would talking about dolls help you understand psychology? Just trust me on this one. The specific type of dolls I will discuss serves a special function in psychology. Child … Read more
At the center of many theories in social psychology is the nature/nurture debate. Do we develop a certain personality and make certain choices because it’s in our nature? Or do our experiences alone shape who we become and how we look at the world? I want to look at one particular model that considers both … Read more
Phobias are what makes your hair stand on end, they may be what keep you up at night. Phobias can range from mild stressor to debilitating fear. Some just try to avoid their stressors and can handle it if they run into it. However, there are those that are so severe that they cannot leave … Read more
A student named Frances is about to give a presentation in front of a large audience. As she is getting ready to speak, she is aware of people looking at her and scrutinizing her every move. Although she is well prepared, Frances finds it hard to concentrate. Her mind is flooded with negative thoughts. She … Read more
Let’s discuss the Unconscious Mind. What’s in there? Does it influence our behavior and actions? And why could it tell you things you don’t want to hear? Many psychologists have attempted to answer these questions, but Sigmund Freud is the most famous. Let’s dive into his definition of the unconscious, how it plays out in … Read more
Have you ever watched a video or seen a GIF that was just…oddly satisfying? Or maybe you can relate to the episode of The Office when they wait patiently for the DVD graphic to fit perfectly in the bottom corner of the screen. Why does it feel so soothing when things fall into place or … Read more
Have you ever found yourself laughing in an inappropriate situation? I’m not talking about a tasteless joke. I mean a really inappropriate situation. Maybe you have a phone interview with a big corporate company and you just can’t stop laughing, even if no one has said anything funny. Maybe you hear some bad news and … Read more
Have you gotten more intelligent over the course of your life? For years, the best way to measure someone’s intelligence has been to give them an IQ test. IQ tests were first developed in the early 1900s. These tests come in many forms, but they all attempt to measure someone’s intelligence compared to other people … Read more
In 1984, Russian computer engineer Alexey Pajitnov developed a simple game. It allowed players to rotate and drop four-block shapes into place to create orderly rows. Tetris was an instant success and is still one of the most addictive games ever created. However, the popular game has a surprising side effect in popular psychology. “The Tetris Effect” … Read more
We receive rewards and punishments for many behaviors. More importantly, once we experience that reward or punishment, we are likely to perform (or not perform) that behavior again in anticipation of the result. Psychologists in the late 1800s and early 1900s believed that rewards and punishments were crucial to shaping and encouraging voluntary behavior. But … Read more
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