Psychology

Despite high levels of innumeracy and math anxiety, people often appreciate numeric data

Falsehoods spread when uncertainties—and emotions—are high after hurricanes

“Fake news”-style misinformation is only a fraction of what deceives voters. Fighting misinformation will require holding political elites and mainstream media accountable

Why ordinary people will follow orders to the point of hurting others remains a critical question for scientists—though some answers have emerged

Certain values carry more weight in spring and autumn than in summer and winter

Research is revealing the key to motivating empathy—and making it stick

Social scientists are uncovering the intricate group dynamics of gossip

One person’s reality is purely theirs and often unique

Shared experiences, more than material things, bring people together

Science means being able to change your mind in light of new evidence

A dishonest creationist debating tactic shouldn’t go unchallenged in American life. Or in national politics

Fruit seems riper when it is wrapped in a net that matches its optimal color, such as a really orangey orange