Mind, Brain, and Value

Authenticity

What Eminem Teaches Us About the Psychology of Authenticity

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on November 10, 2020

Authenticity is held in high regard. But what do we actually mean when we say we're being our authentic, true self?

Authenticity is held in high regard. But what do we actually mean when we say we're being our authentic, true self?

Psychology

What Zombies Teach Us About the Psychology of Consciousness

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on November 3, 2020

Zombies present us with a key question: Why are humans conscious, but zombies aren't? A new theory weighs in on the psychology of consciousness.

Zombies present us with a key question: Why are humans conscious, but zombies aren't? A new theory weighs in on the psychology of consciousness.

Psychology

What's Up With Airline Safety Videos? Psychology Weighs In

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on October 27, 2020

The story of airline safety videos is a strange cocktail of regulation, competition, and innovation. Underneath it all is a rare window into human attention.

The story of airline safety videos is a strange cocktail of regulation, competition, and innovation. Underneath it all is a rare window into human attention.

Psychology

The Psychology of Doom Tourism and Last-Chance Travel

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on October 20, 2020

The more endangered a site becomes, the more we want to visit it. And the more we visit, the more it's damaged. How can we overcome the paradox of doom tourism?

The more endangered a site becomes, the more we want to visit it. And the more we visit, the more it's damaged. How can we overcome the paradox of doom tourism?

Psychology

The Psychology of Solipsism: Our Own Private Consciousness

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on October 13, 2020

If we're brutally honest, the only thing we can be sure about is our own consciousness. How do we get beyond that and experience the perspectives of others?

If we're brutally honest, the only thing we can be sure about is our own consciousness. How do we get beyond that and experience the perspectives of others?

Identity

The Real Bourne Identity: The Psychology of Ansel Bourne

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on October 6, 2020

You’ve lost your keys before. You’ve lost memories before. But losing your self? The curious case of Ansel Bourne teaches us how fragile the "self" can be.

You’ve lost your keys before. You’ve lost memories before. But losing your self? The curious case of Ansel Bourne teaches us how fragile the "self" can be.

Psychology

How The Psychology of Pain Influences How We Spend

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on September 29, 2020

It hurts when someone steps on our foot. But why does it hurt more if someone does it on purpose? And how do these quirks of pain influence how we spend?

It hurts when someone steps on our foot. But why does it hurt more if someone does it on purpose? And how do these quirks of pain influence how we spend?

Psychology

The Ultimatum Game and The Psychology of Impulses

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on September 22, 2020

Trying to avoid impulse shopping? You're not alone—and the ultimatum game may help.

Trying to avoid impulse shopping? You're not alone—and the ultimatum game may help.

Psychology

What Friendly Foxes Reveal About Social Psychology

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on September 15, 2020

The social skills of foxes may reveal deep truths about our evolutionary past.

The social skills of foxes may reveal deep truths about our evolutionary past.

Psychology

The Psychology Of The Digital Afterlife

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on September 8, 2020

Humans have long tried to cheat death. Does the science of mind uploading finally provide a path to eternal life?

Humans have long tried to cheat death. Does the science of mind uploading finally provide a path to eternal life?

Psychology

How to Travel Without Leaving the House

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on September 1, 2020

A new perspective on travel teaches us that "getting away" may be more about psychology than geography.

A new perspective on travel teaches us that "getting away" may be more about psychology than geography.

Psychology

Why We Love Sports: The Role of Psychology And Storytelling

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on August 25, 2020

Sports and competitions are complicated events, but in retrospect, their outcomes feel like storybook endings. Why is that?

Sports and competitions are complicated events, but in retrospect, their outcomes feel like storybook endings. Why is that?

Psychology

The Psychology of the Pumpkin Spice Latte

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on August 18, 2020

Why is this seasonal beverage a celebration for our taste buds? Neuroscience helps explains

Why is this seasonal beverage a celebration for our taste buds? Neuroscience helps explains

Psychology

Psychology of the Left Hemisphere: The Brain's Interpreter

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on August 11, 2020

We feel as though we're autonomous decision-makers, making free choices and consciously navigating our lives. But are we?

We feel as though we're autonomous decision-makers, making free choices and consciously navigating our lives. But are we?

Psychology

How Influencers Use the Psychology of Covert Content

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on August 4, 2020

What's the difference between a promotional post and a coincidence? The line has become increasingly blurred.

What's the difference between a promotional post and a coincidence? The line has become increasingly blurred.

Psychology

What Kanye West Teaches Us About The Psychology of Ego

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on July 28, 2020

Egotism is looked down upon, but from time time, we all like we're at the center of the universe. Can an ego be anything but ego-centric?

Egotism is looked down upon, but from time time, we all like we're at the center of the universe. Can an ego be anything but ego-centric?

Guilt

How Guilt Changes the Way We Spend

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on July 21, 2020

Guilt is a mysterious force, often driving our buying behavior in odd and unpredictable ways.

Guilt is a mysterious force, often driving our buying behavior in odd and unpredictable ways.

Consumer Behavior

What Can New Zealand Teach Us About the 'New Normal'?

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on July 14, 2020

New Zealand was one of the first countries to rid itself of COVID-19 and lift restrictions. What can the rest of the world learn from them about the future of shopping?

New Zealand was one of the first countries to rid itself of COVID-19 and lift restrictions. What can the rest of the world learn from them about the future of shopping?

Humor

Is It OK to Joke About Coronavirus? Science Weighs In

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on July 7, 2020

New research suggests that COVID-19 humor has a specific audience, and it may provide surprising benefits

New research suggests that COVID-19 humor has a specific audience, and it may provide surprising benefits

Attention

The Science Behind the Power of the Eyes

Matt Johnson Ph.D. on June 30, 2020

New research helps us understand why the eyes are both powerful and mysterious.

New research helps us understand why the eyes are both powerful and mysterious.