Category Archives: Psychology Stuff

This Just In: Grow a Bigger Brain Without Getting Off the Couch!

A couple of months ago, published an article demonstrating that aerobic exercise can increase the size of your hippocampus. Well, for those of you interested in growing your gray matter without breaking a sweat, this latest (unrelated) study is for … Continue reading

Posted in Brain Stuff, Psychology Stuff | 1 Comment

Seriously Dude… Where’s My Car?

Sometimes it seems like all the junk accumulated in our memories makes it harder to remember new things. For example, if you drive in to work every morning and have to hunt for parking, it may be difficult at the … Continue reading

Posted in Brain Stuff, Psychology Stuff | 1 Comment

Performance Anxiety? Try Writing About It.

Choking under pressure can happen to the best of us. Students with test anxiety often perform below their abilities, and baseball pitchers can let ruin a perfect game.

Posted in Education, Psychology Stuff | 1 Comment

Focus! (It Might Make You Happier)

One great talent that humans have, as compared to other species, is the ability to think about the past, the future, and the imaginary.  We’re not restricted to simply thinking about whatever we see in front of our faces.

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The Happiness Thermostat: Is it Adjustable?

Many things bring momentary pleasure, but it’s hard to assess what factors yield long-term happiness without doing a long term study. Well, the results of a very long-term study are finally in (published in ), and these results have the … Continue reading

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Do Female Students Prefer to Work With Female Faculty?

The subjects have a reputation for being historically male-dominated. Chemistry is no exception; according to reports by , only 39% of the total U.S. chemistry doctoral degrees awarded in 2009 were received by women. Even more strikingly, women comprise only … Continue reading

Posted in Amateur Research, Psychology Stuff, Women in Science | 1 Comment

Actually, Money Does Buy Happiness?

Well, only up to $75,000.  A study published in on September 7th (online early edition) finds that the more money you make, the more satisfied you are with your life. However, improvement in happiness maxes out at an income of … Continue reading

Posted in Happiness, Psychology Stuff | 1 Comment