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Wellbeing: How money manipulates our relationships
National Post: What is a little money between friends? According to new research, at the very least, it’s not going to stimulate bonding. Researchers have found that mimicry strengthens social bonding between strangers. By subtly imitating a person’s posture or gestures, you can create goodwill. But a new study looking at the psychological effects of money on our behaviour suggests that this does not apply when money is involved. Mimic someone and he’ll feel a warm glow; but mimic someone while he’s being reminded of money and he’ll feel threatened. Read more: National Post
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A closer look at the role of coping mechanisms in regulating emotions
Scope: When feeling sad, stressed, anxious or angry, some of us may seek an escape, such as retail therapy, while others will simply think through the negative feelings. But are such differences in our responses tied to individual preference or intensity of emotion? A new study from Stanford researchers and colleagues suggests it may be the latter. According to a release: Read more: Scope
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It’s A Duel: How Do Violent Video Games Affect Kids?
NPR: Scientists have long clashed over whether violent video games have an adverse effect on young people. Indeed, the conclusions of different groups of researchers are so contradictory they could give a tennis umpire whiplash. The Supreme Court recently overturned a California ban on violent video games. The court said that video games, even offensive ones, were protected by the First Amendment, and that there wasn't clear evidence that playing games such as Grand Theft Auto and Postal really harmed people. So what explains the vehement disagreements among scientists about the effects of these games?
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Landau named vice provost for faculty affairs
The Gazette: Barbara Landau, the Dick and Lydia Todd Professor and chair of the Department of Cognitive Science in the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, has been appointed vice provost for faculty affairs. She succeeds Michela Gallagher, former chair of Psychological and Brain Sciences in the Krieger School, who stepped down as vice provost for academic affairs to return to her research. Read more: The Gazette
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7 Reasons Your Brain Can’t Spot A Liar
The Huffington Post: Think you're adept at calling someone's bluff? Convinced you can spot a liar from halfway across the room? You're probably wrong, says a recent study published in the journal Psychological Science in the Public Interest. According to the research, led by psychologist Aldert Vrij of the University of Portsmouth in the UK, several factors contribute to our inability to tell when we're being deceived. Have you fallen victim to one (or more) of them? Find out all 7 reasons here: The Huffington Post
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Chicks Dig Certain Types of Music
Newly hatched chicks appear to prefer certain sounds over others, just like human infants, suggesting that this musical preference may be innate.
