Trying to get in shape and lose weight? What’s the psychology behind getting in shape? Well, first forget the psychobabble. I examine two established theories of human motivation – goal setting and expectancy theory. Join me for a different perspective on weight loss, exercise and fitness.
Episode 50: Psychological Study Ripped Straight from….the Bible?
How many scientific studies find their inspiration from a parable in the bible? I’ll go over a very interesting study based on the Good Samaritan parable. Are people more likely to help someone if they are thinking “pious” thoughts at the time?
Episode 36: Kitty Genovese: What Really Happened?
Kitty Genovese: what you think you know about what happened to her is wrong. While the story lead to a long and successful line of research in bystander intervention, what people think they know about Kitty Genovese is largely incorrect.
Episode 35: The Psychology of Extreme Sports
Why do people engage in those dangerous sports like hang gliding, bungee jumping and rock climbing? Would you believe it might have something to do with neurotransmitters and something called Monoamine Oxidase?
Episode 32: Psych Tests, Mnemonics and Two Keys to Faster Learning
To learn or not to learn that is the question this week on The Psych Files. Come with me as I explore mnemonic techniques, learn to memorize Hamlet’s famous speech, and learn 2 keys to true, lasting learning.
Episode 31: Lemon Slices and a New Face on Mars! Gestalt Principles at Work
The gestalt principles of perception – how do they explain how we not only sometimes perceive strange things, but also how we can appreciate works of art? We’ll see images on lemon slices, on Mars, and on building tops. Why do we perceive these things?
Episode 26: Why do Statistics Make Us So Queasy?
Why are we often anxious about or even suspicious of statistics? Let’s take a look at this topic. Along with some interesting examples I’ve got some statistics-oriented jokes I hope you’ll find funny.
Episode 16: Personal Space Invasion: What Happens When Someone Invades Your Personal Space?
How does the presence of others in the bathroom affect you? How close is too close? A psychological study was done in 1976 in which psychology researchers hid in men’s bathrooms to observe…well, you’ll find out.
Episode 13: Big Brother? What Your Grocery Store Knows About You
Does your local grocery store know more about you than you do? How do they get you to buy? Find out what consumer psychologists know about you and how you shop.
