Superbowl Psych

This article is really interesting in that it breaks down how we view sports, or other score-based activities in every day life. I also found the article to be fitting for any viewers of the Superbowl. Reading the article will help explain some of the reactions that we have to the big game, and how we general respond to events in life. I never realized just how much of our lives can be considered "counterfactual."


LINK: Scientific American - Superbowl Psychology

Men are more forgetful than women, study shows

I found this article saying that men forget more than women according their private research. Researchers brought out that the reason for their result is unclear but it is possible to think the risk factors might effect on it.


Link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271642.php

Study: Some people just like liking things

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-09-11/news/ct-x-0911-trice-column-20130911_1_many-things-good-fit-person

This article in the Chicago Tribune discusses the reasons behind why some people are inclined to “like” a lot of things.  The article opens with saying that for years “social scientists have known that our likes and dislikes are a function of many things: our education, our tastes, how optimistic we are”.  But now a new study conducted by Justin Hepler at the University says there is a new component- the overall individual. They are calling at “dispositional attitude” which “gives insights into why we might like (or dislike) a slew of different things that are unrelated.”  The implications of this can tie into potential employers trying to discern whether an applicant is a good fit for the company.  Or in advertising having information and figuring whether it would effect the pitch of the product.  Studying “likes” seems irrelevant and seems highly based on speculation.  But I found this article interesting as in today’s world nearly everyone literally broadcasts their “likes” on social media especially places like social media.  And as a Advertising/Art Direction major you learn that understanding the consumer is key.  If there is a way to understand what someone likes through a test like they conducted in the survey of this article it would be very valuable. 

Joe

The 'Selfie'

      "The profile picture or avatar is a way for people to present a certain side of themselves. It also puts the person in control of their own image." 

       -The Social Psychology of the Selfie

 

       This quote comes from an article about the famous internet 'selfie' and gives the reader perspective as to why others tend to take 'selfies'. Our desire to show a controlled image to the public is what drives the 'selfie'; it's an effective way to control the way others view ourselves.

Consumerism, Sex, Advertising, and Human Nature

Consumerism, Sex, Advertising, and Human Nature
reason.tv

I saw this interview a few weeks ago and felt that it has strong correlation to social psychology. The identification of human evolution and natural drives that parallel with our economy and consumptive nature was very insightful to understanding why we shop, reproduce and share on a daily basis.

Stanford Prison Experiment

People were categorized into prisoner/detainee and faked a setting of a real prison to see the psychological transformations that would happen to these "normal" people.  The results are pretty interesting and it's scary to think that people are so susceptible to their environment: proclaimed pacifist men who were playing the guards ended up enjoying beating some of the "prisoners."
LINK HERE: http://www.spring.org.uk/2007/09/our-dark-hearts-stanford-prison.php

Employment Improves Autistic Symptoms

I found this interesting article that talks about how "more independent work environments may lead to reductions in autism symptoms and improve daily living in adults with the disorder".  It comes down to giving them the chance at employment, which is not necessarily easy.  It seems that employers do not generally higher those with autism because they hold the idea that it will be difficult, or that they do not have the skills.  Yes, there might be a few outbursts from frustration, but as long as they are working in a job they have an interest in, they will work hard and it will help them.  There is a lot of judgement on people who have disabilities, however if people took the time to understand them, there wouldn't be as much judgement.  Knowing someone with autism, I know in general what they go through, and I have hope that there will be more employers who know the information within this article, which will open more doors for those with autism.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140114130659.htm