-
Why People Latch on to Conspiracy Theories, According to Science
Insurgents swarmed the U.S. Capitol on January 6 to create chaos and defy legislators who had gathered to certify electoral votes. The presidential election, they say, was stolen—a belief encouraged by a powerful and trusted leader. ... But the idea that the election was rigged is, by definition, a conspiracy theory—an explanation for events that relies on the assertion that powerful people are dishonestly manipulating society. In reality, dozens of lawsuits espousing accusations of voter fraud have been thrown out by state and federal courts. ... Experts say that the majority of people do not easily fall for falsehoods.
-
Strengthening Contact Tracing Through Psychological Science
One way to improve the effectiveness of contact tracing is to treat infected people like important witnesses to the spread of a virus and use an approach informed by research on memory and witness interviewing.
-
Worried About Your Toddler Right Now? Take a Deep Breath
As Ashlyn Atigre prepared to take her healthy son to the pediatrician for his 3-year-old well visit recently, a nagging concern was on her mind. "I want to talk about the social impact of the pandemic with the doctor," said the Tampa, Florida, mother. "I'm an introvert but clearly need people. And I'm seeing his shyness increase and wondering if it's Covid, if I'm just seeing my genes or if it's because he's almost three and at a new (stage) in life." ...
-
2020 Year in Review
What happens when APS Media Relations director Charles Blue chats with APS Senior Science Writer Ludmila Nunes? A fun discussion on 2020’s most interesting research, that’s what! Many of the major news stories of 2020
-
Statement on Riot at U.S. Congress
Statement by APS Executive Director Robert Gropp on the riot at the U.S. Capitol Building.
-
January/February Observer
Psychological scientists have long studied bias, from explicit and implicit attitudes to stereotypes and structural inequality. Now they’re working to apply those findings within the field itself.
