-
How to talk like you’re in charge
The Boston Globe: WHAT IS THE SOUND of power? Well, it’s high-pitched and monotonous, and alternately loud and soft. In a study, men and women were told they would be involved in a negotiation exercise, were put in a low- or high-power frame of mind, and then read a negotiation statement out loud. Those who were put in a high-power frame of mind spoke differently (higher pitch, more variable loudness, more monotone) than those who were put in a low-power frame of mind. Moreover, other people who later listened to recordings of these speakers—without knowing which speakers had been assigned to which frame of mind—were able to accurately guess which speakers were in a powerful role.
-
People Trust Typical-Looking Faces Most
Being “average” is often considered a bad thing, but research suggests that averageness wins when people assess the trustworthiness of a face.
-
Political Extremists Are Less Susceptible to Common Cognitive Bias
People who occupy the extreme ends of the political spectrum may be less influenced by outside information on a simple estimation task than political moderates.
-
Thanksgiving and Gratitude: The Science of Happier Holidays
The Wall Street Journal: As the holiday shopping season moves into high gear, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of spending. But consider this conclusion from recent scientific research: Materialistic people are less happy than their peers. They experience fewer positive emotions, are less satisfied with life and suffer higher levels of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Why is this the case—and how can we avoid falling into the unhappiness trap of materialism this holiday season? One answer has been emerging from social science: Cultivate a mind-set of gratitude.
-
Being a Good Leader Makes You More Attractive
Harvard Business Review: Pretty people do better. Whether interviewing for a new job, applying for a promotion, or, in the world of politics, seeking voters’ support, people with good looks tend to reap more rewards. It pays to be physically attractive. Previous studies bear this out. But, from my own research, which is forthcoming in The Leadership Quarterly, I’ve discovered that things aren’t so cut and dried, beauty isn’t a fixed trait as many of us tend to believe, and that our perceptions of one’s attractiveness can be enhanced in positive ways depending on the situation.
-
Facts? We Don’t Need No Stinking Facts!
Pacific Standard: Are your opinions solidly based in fact? Most everyone likes to think so. Yet plenty of research suggests our beliefs are driven more by psychological needs than objective assessments. To cite just one example, if our desire for security requires us to perceive our society as fair and just, we’re likely to dismiss complaints about economic inequality or police brutality. Entertaining such ideas would mean challenging a comforting premise that fulfills a deep-seated need. Ah, but what happens when the facts clearly contradict our assumptions? Do we rethink our opinions at that point?