Speaking Of Psychology

How people interact with robots is influenced by the robots’ characteristics. Whether a robot has eyes or arms or a human-like voice affects our response to them. Jeff Hancock, PhD, has studied the research to date on social robots and learned that robots’ perceived warmth and competence have the strongest effect. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Internet of Things devices such as smart televisions and thermostats often lack adequate built-in security, leading to privacy and safety risks not commonly understood by consumers. John Blythe, PhD, argues that a labelling scheme for these devices will provide consumers with a clear picture of the security of an IoT device and help them to choose technology that meets their security and privacy needs. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Every day, we are all called on to make online security decisions. Psychologist Emma Williams studies the contexts in which we make these decisions in an effort to develop safer practices. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Looking at large numbers of social media postings in aggregate can tell us quite a bit about Americans’ mental state. Sharath Guntuku, PhD, has analyzed the language in tweets to identify regional variations in stress and well-being. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Social physics is the idea of using statistics to quantify and manage change in culture. This idea inspired the modern national census, but the difficulty of acquiring data limited what could be accomplished. Today’s technology produces a continuous trail of digital breadcrumbs that allow human behavior to be examined even in complex natural environments. Alexander “Sandy” Pentland, PhD, discusses how large-scale studies can be used to predict and shape a wide range of important common behaviors. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Conventional wisdom says that impressionable individuals will imitate all kinds of behaviors they see in movies and on TV — including suicide, especially in the wake of the TV series "13 Reasons Why." But is there such a thing as suicide contagion? The evidence is weak, according to Christopher Ferguson, PhD, who details a scientific review he conducted to try to answer that question. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Several technology and automotive companies are already testing highly automated vehicles on public roads, and many automobiles can be driven with the assistance of semi-automated systems. Through the development of these systems, significant public attention has been placed on the promise of removing drivers from the vehicle; however, more limited focus has been drawn to the role of people in automated vehicle systems. David Friedman discusses how automation inside and outside vehicles may shape the future of self-driving cars. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Touchscreen use among children is ubiquitous. But how much is too much, and is there an age before which you shouldn’t hand a child a smartphone or tablet? Roberta Golinkoff, PhD, discusses how this relatively new technology can help young children learn and why it’s different from television and books. Help us learn more about you. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Persuasion expert Robert Cialdini, PhD, talks about his formidable body of work developing and understanding what he calls the six universal principles of influence. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Climate change will have significant psychological effects on many people, including older adults, according to a report published by the American Psychological Association and ecoAmerica. In this episode, Michael Smyer, PhD, talks about how to get older adults to move from anxiety to action in reducing the effects of climate change. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Since 1980, obesity in the United States has doubled among children ages 2 to 4, and nearly tripled among children and adolescents ages 6 to 19. In this episode, Eleanor Mackey, PhD, talks about why improving eating habits among children and teens should be a family affair. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

For decades, psychologists have been studying what makes people good leaders. But it isn’t just about possessing certain leadership traits. In this episode, Alice Eagly, PhD, talks about how stereotypes grounded in everyday psychological observations and stereotypes affect how women are perceived as leaders and how society can change those perceptions. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Talking to loved ones about important end-of-life decisions can spark a complicated land mine of emotions. So much so, many people put it off until it’s too late. In this episode, Brian Carpenter, PhD, talks about why it’s important to have these conversations and how to approach these discussions successfully. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Feminist discussions are often aimed at adults, while girls tend to be left out of the conversation. In this episode, Gayle Pitman, PhD, talks about her new book, “Feminism: A to Z,” and how parents and teachers can use a feminist theory and perspective to give teenage girls the support, courage and energy to face the challenges of adolescence. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

It defies intuition to think innocent people would confess to a crime they did not commit. But, research has shown that everyone has a breaking point. In this episode, Saul Kassin, PhD, talks about the psychology behind false confessions and how law enforcement officials and legislators can take steps to prevent them. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Mental preparation can affect performance, whether you're preparing for a big test at school or competing at the Olympics. In this episode, Steve Portenga, PhD, talks about the psychology behind performing at your best and how to help overachievers handle stress. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Protecting children from sadness, anxiety and stress is a natural instinct for many adults. But, finding ways to help them address these inevitable obstacles to happiness is a challenge parents, teachers and other caregivers have to face head on. In this episode, Bonnie Zucker, PsyD, talks about how to explain death to young children as well as the research into the effectiveness of relaxation and mindfulness techniques for kids. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Married people are often considered to be happier and healthier, while single people are often stereotyped as being isolated, self-centered and unhappy. But what if these are myths? In this episode, psychologist Bella DePaulo, PhD, talks about the benefits of remaining unattached and calls on psychology to pay more attention to why certain single people do, in fact, thrive. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Fear and anxiety are part of most normal children’s lives. But how do we know when anxiety is a problem in need of professional help? In this episode, Golda Ginsburg, PhD, talks about how to recognize the signs of an anxiety disorder in your child and what are the most effective, evidence-based treatments. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals

Are terrorists flooding into our country? Are we facing an epidemic of mass shootings and violence? Whatever your thoughts are on gun control or terrorism, psychologists who study human behavior, specifically thrill-seeking and risk taking behaviors, have a lot to contribute to the discussion. In this episode, Frank Farley, PhD, talks about why mental health experts need to be on the front lines of violence prevention efforts. APA is currently seeking proposals for APA 2020, click here to learn more https://convention.apa.org/proposals