Behavior4226 articles archived since 1845

What Do “Emotion” and “Mood” Actually Mean?

We throw these terms around casually, but in a clinical setting they might be too vague to be useful

You Do Not Think Alone

A new book argues that thought and knowledge are community efforts

Why Fathers Downplay Feelings

They don’t use hugs, but helping with tasks or activities is a man’s way of showing affection and should not be belittled

Fetuses May Respond to Faces While in the Womb

Babies develop a preference for face-like light patterns even before birth

How to Address the Epidemic of Lies in Politics

The "Pro-Truth Pledge," based on behavioral science research, could be part of the answer

Listen between the Cries

Researchers try to decipher the hidden messages in babies’ wailing

Why Data Science Argues against a Muslim Ban

Some people have relied on "common sense" to brand an entire religion as dangerous—but rigorous analysis proves they're wrong

Eyewitness Memory Is a Lot More Reliable Than You Think

What law enforcement—and the public—needs to know

Deciphering the Language of Love

Attachment science is helping couples master communication and connection—and getting through conflict

Lonely but Never Alone

Space travel: How does the brain react to the isolation encountered in outer space?

Does TV Cultivate Authoritarianism?

Researchers think television may promote “authoritarian values” that paved the way for Donald Trump

Welcome to the New Scientific American MIND

In-Person Requests Are More Effective Than Electronic Ones

People respond better to face-to-face requests than e-mails

Cracking the Popularity Code

Do you know the two types of popularity—and which is better for you?

5 Self-Care Tips for Today's Political Climate

Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen tackles how to deal with the content of today’s fast and furious news

When Hatred Goes Viral: Inside Social Media’s Efforts to Combat Terrorism

Online video serves the Islamic State and other terrorist organizations as a powerful tool for recruiting new members and inciting violence. A potential fix remains curiously in limbo

The World According to Dogs

Scientific findings uncover what our best friends know, why they do what they do and how to keep them happy

Is the U.S. Education System Producing a Society of “Smart Fools”?

One distinguished psychologist explains why he believes this is so and how to reverse course

How to Be a Better News Consumer

Top tips to get the most nourishment from your media diet

Older Kids Are More Likely to Confess to Bad Deeds

Children first learn to cover for their naughty behavior, but learn to take responsibility as they get older