How your brain decides what to think
Spontaneous trips down memory lane: why and how the mind wanders.
Feb. 20, 2023 • ~6 min
Pandemic decision-making is difficult and exhausting – here's the psychology that explains why
People tend to dislike uncertainty and risk – two things that are hard to avoid completely during a pandemic. That’s part of why it can feel especially draining to make even small decisions these days.
April 19, 2022 • ~8 min
Aaron Rodgers dropped the ball on critical thinking – with a little practice you can do better
Critical thinking means seeking out new information – especially facts that might run contrary to what you believe – and being willing to change your mind. And it’s a teachable skill.
Dec. 1, 2021 • ~11 min
How uncertainty can impair our ability to make rational decisions – new research
High levels of uncertainty can make us obsessive compulsive, causing physical changes in the brain.
Nov. 30, 2021 • ~8 min
People use mental shortcuts to make difficult decisions – even highly trained doctors delivering babies
It’s human nature to unconsciously rely on quick rules to help make spur-of-the-moment decisions. New research finds physicians use these shortcuts, too, which can be bad news for some patients.
Oct. 14, 2021 • ~10 min
Changing your mind about something as important as vaccination isn't a sign of weakness – being open to new information is the smart way to make choices
People tend to stick with their stated beliefs. But here’s how external forces like vaccine mandates can push people to do something they don’t want to do – and provide some face-saving cover.
Sept. 23, 2021 • ~8 min
Emotion is a big part of how you assess risk – and why it's so hard to be objective about pandemic precautions
How you respond to a risk depends on how you weigh the costs and benefits of an action. The problem is you’re not just a logical computer, and emotions bias your interpretation of the facts.
Aug. 12, 2021 • ~9 min
Freeing Britney requires reconsidering how society thinks about decision-making capacity
Conservatorships significantly restrict people’s ability to make decisions for themselves. Other options can provide support while maintaining respect for autonomy.
July 30, 2021 • ~8 min
Science denial: Why it happens and 5 things you can do about it
Science denial is not new, but researchers have learned a lot about it. Here's why it exists, how everyone is susceptible to it in one way or another and steps to take to overcome it.
June 29, 2021 • ~9 min
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