Shankar Vedantam appears in the following:
Bans Of Same-Sex Marriage Can Take A Psychological Toll
Monday, May 20, 2013
When several states passed laws banning same-sex marriages, researchers found that the mental health of gay residents seemed to suffer. Conversely, stress-related disorders dropped after the legalization of gay marriage in one state. Researchers say negative media portrayals and loss of safety were contributing factors.
What Does 'Sexual Coercion' Say About A Society?
Friday, May 10, 2013
Anthropologists have long documented the differences in the extent of sexual coercion — including rape — in different human societies. But is it a vestige of evolutionary history, indicative of cultural activity or governed by power dynamics between females and males?
Young Girls May Get More 'Teaching Time' From Parents Than Boys Do
Monday, May 06, 2013
In elementary school, girls often outperform boys on reading and math tests. Many factors shape academic performance, but two economists say one reason for the disparity might be that parents spend more time reading with girls and teaching them the alphabet and numbers.
Shhh, The Kids Can Hear You Arguing (Even When They're Asleep)
Monday, April 29, 2013
In scans of sleeping infants' brains, certain areas light up when they hear angry voices. But is that heightened activation damaging, or does it mean the children are learning to cope?
What Does Modern Prejudice Look Like?
Monday, April 22, 2013
Most Americans think of prejudice as animosity toward people in other groups. But two psychologists argue that unconscious bias — often in the form of giving some people special treatment — is the way prejudice largely works in America today.
Did You Notice This Seemed To Be A Crazy News Week?
Friday, April 19, 2013
A lot of tragic stories have been in the news this week. To name a few, there was the Boston Marathon bombing, letters believed to be laced with ricin were sent to President Obama and other officials and the explosion at fertilizer plant in Texas. David Greene talks to NPR's Shankar Vedantam about the psychology of "crazy weeks."
To Find Insider Trading, Follow The Kids' Money
Tuesday, April 09, 2013
Sociologists tracked stock trades in Finland and found that accounts belonging to chlldren under 10 years old wildly outperformed the accounts of adults.
Why Not Apologizing Makes You Feel Better
Monday, April 01, 2013
Expressing regret may grease the social wheels, but not doing so boosts your sense of power, control and self-worth. Try explaining that to your boss.
Shift In Gay Marriage Support Mirrors A Changing America
Monday, March 25, 2013
The latest polls indicate 58 percent of Americans support same-sex marriage. In 1977, that number was 13 percent. One researcher says that jump in support isn't the result of a generational gap — it's that many who once opposed gay marriage have changed their minds or softened their opposition.
What Is The Effect Of Asking Americans To Think About The Greater Good?
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Often times politicians pitch "the common good" when proposing changes to social policy. Psychologists now think this kind of appeal may backfire and actually unmotivate Americans. What is the effectiveness of different kinds of public appeals?
Deciphering Hidden Biases During Interviews
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Research suggests the timing of an applicant's interview, whether it's for a job or admittance to a school, may determine the outcome of that interview. A new study shows that interviewers who have seen a string of strong candidates are more likely to view the next applicant negatively.
Your Child's Fat, Mine's Fine: Rose-Colored Glasses And The Obesity Epidemic
Monday, March 04, 2013
Despite current trends, most parents assume their own kids won't grow up to be overweight adults. That 'optimism bias' has neurological roots, brain scientists say.
A Lively Mind: Your Brain On Jane Austen
Tuesday, October 09, 2012
Could modern cognitive theories explain character development in one of Jane Austen's most famous heroines: Pride and Prejudice's Elizabeth Bennett? Reading sessions inside an MRI scanner are shedding light on the question.
Five Ways To Spot A Fake Online Review, Restaurant Or Otherwise
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Online reviews of restaurants, travel deals, apps and just about anything you want to buy have become a powerful driver of consumer behavior. Unsurprisingly, they have also created a powerful incentive to cheat.
Would You Rather Win Silver Or Bronze? (Be Careful What You Wish For)
Friday, August 03, 2012
If you had to choose between a silver medal and a bronze medal, most people would choose silver. But psychologists who analyzed photos of Olympic medalists say that there's a complicated dynamic at work.
The Hidden Brain
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Shankar Vedantam, author of the Washington Post’s "Department of Human Behavior" column, explains the brain functions, emotional responses, and cognitive processes that happen without conscious awareness, but that control our behavior. In The Hidden Brain: How Our Unconscious Minds Elect Presidents, Control Markets, Wage Wars, and Save ...
ADHD Drugs
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Shankar Vedantam, Washington Post staff writer, talks about new studies that show that Attention Deficit Disorder medicine may not be effective long-term. Are you on medication for ADHD? Are you a doctor who has prescribed this medication? What do you think of its effectiveness? Comment below!
No Vaccine Link to Autism
Friday, February 13, 2009
Shankar Vedantam, national reporter covering human behavior for the Washington Post, reviews yesterday's special court ruling that there is no link between the M.M.R. vaccine and autism.
