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Significant Results

Using research findings to tell a more positive story.

Deception
How to Spot a Lie

Robert Biswas-Diener on July 16, 2014

Common lore holds that we can see a lie in small tics and averted eyes. The truth is that this technique is a much simpler way to catch dishonesty.

Common lore holds that we can see a lie in small tics and averted eyes. The truth is that this technique is a much simpler way to catch dishonesty.

Positive Psychology
Laypeople Feel Qualified to Judge Psych Research

Robert Biswas-Diener on July 1, 2014

Non-expert people are fascinated by psychological science. Unfortunately, they are often forced to rely on popular media for their information about research. This leads to a series of systematic biases. A recent survey of people interested in positive psychology illustrates this point.

Non-expert people are fascinated by psychological science. Unfortunately, they are often forced to rely on popular media for their information about research. This leads to a series of systematic biases. A recent survey of people interested in positive psychology illustrates this point.

Sex
Are Hookups Psychologically Healthy?

Robert Biswas-Diener on April 9, 2014

In a recent study, nearly 20 percent of college men reported having sex with someone they had known less than one week. What happened next?

In a recent study, nearly 20 percent of college men reported having sex with someone they had known less than one week. What happened next?

Education
3 Solutions to Problems in Higher Education

Robert Biswas-Diener on March 17, 2014

Once we quit treating the classroom like a workplace to be managed and start treated it like a laboratory full of discovery everyone will benefit.

Once we quit treating the classroom like a workplace to be managed and start treated it like a laboratory full of discovery everyone will benefit.

Authenticity
Will the Real Internet Profile Please Stand Up?

Robert Biswas-Diener on May 28, 2013

Because of a lack of editorial oversight it is tempting to inflate credentials and expertise when creating a professional on-line profile. In an era where everyone is an "authority" it is authenticity that sets people apart.

Because of a lack of editorial oversight it is tempting to inflate credentials and expertise when creating a professional on-line profile. In an era where everyone is an "authority" it is authenticity that sets people apart.

Happiness
One Myth of Positive Psychology Clearly Explained

Robert Biswas-Diener on April 6, 2013

People want to believe that disability is associated with miraculous emotional recovery. Unfortunately, the results of studies do not bear this out. Here is an explanation of how scientific results can be perverted and lead to enduring myths.

People want to believe that disability is associated with miraculous emotional recovery. Unfortunately, the results of studies do not bear this out. Here is an explanation of how scientific results can be perverted and lead to enduring myths.