When Things Don’t Go According to Plan

The Latest From the APS Observer

New content is now posted to the Observer on a regular basis rather than bimonthly. Check the website every week for the latest news, features, and more.

About the Observer

The Observer is the online magazine of the Association for Psychological Science and covers matters affecting the research, academic, and applied disciplines of psychology. The magazine reports on issues of interest to psychologist scientists worldwide and disseminates information about the activities, policies, and scientific values of APS.

APS members receive a monthly Observer newsletter that covers the latest content in the magazine. Members also may access the online archive of Observer articles going back to 1988.

Featured

Exposure Therapy Challenges Patient Expectations

Exposure therapy can help patients conquer their fears, but it isn’t effective for everyone. Researchers are exploring how this powerful intervention works and how it could benefit a wider range of patients.
Human Insights for Machine Smarts

Cognitive scientists are helping artificial intelligence think more like us.
Bringing Visuospatial Research Into the Real World

Researchers find that people anticipate movement in visual stimuli, among other new findings of our visuospatial abilities.

Research Practice

From “Hot” and “Cold” Cognition to New Directions in Cognitive Science

In her first column, APS President Randi Martin makes the case for collaborative research that cuts across research areas.
The Pluses and Pitfalls of Online Research

Online platforms like MTurk and Prolific have dramatically broadened scientists’ access to study participants. But are researchers using the tools effectively?
Student Notebook: Finding Your Path in Psychological Science

Feeling unsure or overwhelmed as an early-career psychology student? Second-year graduate student Mariel Barnett shares advice to quell uncertainties.

Career Development

Professional Development: Effectively Sharing Your Research with the Media

Long-time journalists Kim Elsesser and Gideon Lewis-Kraus share tips for researchers to consider as they seek out coverage for their research.
Open Communication and Varied Career Opportunities for New PhDs

Opening up communication between students and advisors can lead to more honest and realistic career discussions, especially about nonacademic opportunities.
Professional Development: How to Turn Your CV into a Resume

Learn how to frame your skills for the specific needs of an industry job in this webinar.

Member Spotlight

Exploring the Science of Cocreating Relationships

Two professors and social psychologists studying romantic relationships have set out on a new venture—creating a podcast for undergraduate students and the broader public focused on analyzing romantic films.
Elika Bergelson’s Quest Into Infants’ Language Development

Elika Bergelson, an associate developmental psychology professor at Harvard University, is known for her work on language acquisition, cognitive development, and word learning in infants. Her key research focuses on how infants learn language from the world around them.
Derek Avery on Injecting Facts, Not Feelings, Into DEI Debates

The work of this APS Fellow is showing how fairness and inclusion can actually bolster organizational performance.

Additional Content

How We Build Semantic Memory

Teaching: Teaching psychology students about semantic memory will inform them how we learn about the world, piece by piece, integration by integration, silently forming the basis for our academic achievements and lifelong curiosities. 
Exploring How Emotion, Aging, and Sleep Impact Memory

Elizabeth Kensinger discusses her research on the role of emotion in memory and changes in the field in an interview with APS President Randi Martin.
Teaching Students How to Debunk Myths About Misinformation

Teaching: These student activities call on recent research to help students identify myths about misinformation.
Science for Society: Workplace Culture and Well-Being

Learn about the factors that contribute to productive and successful teams in the workplace in this webinar.
2024 Mentorship Program Welcomes Nearly 150 Individuals from All Career Stages

This year’s cohort includes 66 mentors and 76 mentees from 12 countries.
Arturo Hernandez Shares Vision as New Editor of Perspectives on Psychological Science

Hernandez share his ideas on moving beyond written formats, the value of retrospective approaches, and the importance of respect.

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The Latest From the APS Observer

About the Observer

Latest Under the Cortex Podcast

Featured

Exposure Therapy Challenges Patient Expectations

Human Insights for Machine Smarts

Bringing Visuospatial Research Into the Real World

Research Practice

From “Hot” and “Cold” Cognition to New Directions in Cognitive Science

The Pluses and Pitfalls of Online Research

Student Notebook: Finding Your Path in Psychological Science

Career Development

Professional Development: Effectively Sharing Your Research with the Media

Open Communication and Varied Career Opportunities for New PhDs

Professional Development: How to Turn Your CV into a Resume

Member Spotlight

Exploring the Science of Cocreating Relationships

Elika Bergelson’s Quest Into Infants’ Language Development

Derek Avery on Injecting Facts, Not Feelings, Into DEI Debates

Additional Content

How We Build Semantic Memory

Exploring How Emotion, Aging, and Sleep Impact Memory

Teaching Students How to Debunk Myths About Misinformation

Science for Society: Workplace Culture and Well-Being

2024 Mentorship Program Welcomes Nearly 150 Individuals from All Career Stages

Arturo Hernandez Shares Vision as New Editor of Perspectives on Psychological Science

The Latest From the APS Observer

About the Observer

Latest Under the Cortex Podcast

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