Human Nature

Human Nature encompasses peoples' actions, perceptions, and thought processes. Topics include food cravings, mind-reading, and contagious yawning.

Topics to Explore

Pass the Barf Bag If You're Not Going to Use It

Why All the Hullabaloo Over Handshakes? They Matter

The Human Heart Can Literally Burst With Joy, New Research Finds

5 Human Quirks That Make Good Science Hard to Do Well

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Feel Like a Fraud, Despite Your Success? You Might Have Impostor Syndrome

Perhaps everyone feels unworthy of their achievements at some point. But if you constantly have that feeling, you may have impostor syndrome. So, who's more likely to have it and how do you cope with it?

By Alia Hoyt Mar 19, 2020 Human Nature / Human Perception

Study Highlights Unique Stereotypes About Biracial Americans

A study found that stereotypes of Americans who identified with more than one race were different from stereotypes applied to people of one race. What were they and what do biracial people think about these findings?

By Danielle Douez Aug 14, 2019 Human Nature / Human Perception

What's Considered a Microaggression?

The term 'microaggression' has gone mainstream in the last few years. But what counts as a microaggression, and why are some experts critical of the word?

By Danielle Douez Jun 11, 2019 Human Nature / Human Behavior

Survivor Guilt: Living Through Major Trauma

The suicides of two students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, as well as the suicide of a father of a child killed at Newtown Elementary highlight how the shock from a deep trauma remains long after for survivors.

By John Donovan Mar 27, 2019 Human Nature / Emotions

The Powerball 'Tipping Point': What Size Jackpot Makes You Play?

There's a magic number that gets casual players (maybe you) really interested.

By Dave Roos Mar 25, 2019 Human Nature / Human Behavior

Knowing Your Tendency Helps You Conquer Life Goals

Author Gretchen Rubin says people have one of four personal tendencies that direct how we handle inner and outer expectations. Knowing your tendency can help you figure out how to manage change.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus Oct 25, 2018 Human Nature / Human Behavior

People Are Dying for the Perfect Selfie

More than 250 people in six years have died while taking selfies. Who is taking such risks and why?

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Oct 16, 2018 Human Nature / Human Behavior

Introvert and Extrovert Brains Aren't the Same

And that difference has a lot to do with dopamine — and how you respond to it.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus Sep 10, 2018 Human Nature / Human Behavior

People Want to Go Under the Knife to Look Like Their Snapchat Selfies

You'll never look like your Snapchat self, but that's not stopping people from trying.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler Aug 8, 2018 Human Nature / Human Perception

Are Artists Hardwired for Poverty?

A new study out of Germany claims that artists are less driven by monetary rewards than other people.

By Stell Simonton Aug 2, 2018 Human Nature / Human Perception

Does Playing With Toy Guns Lead to Later Acts of Gun Violence?

Experts who've studied this say you have to look at several factors regarding parenting, toy guns and aggression.

By Patrick J. Kiger Jun 26, 2018 Human Nature / Human Behavior

'Hangry' is Real, but Tameable

Science shows that, although people do tend to feel angrier when hungry, there are ways to tame that "hangry" feeling.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Jun 15, 2018 Human Nature / Emotions

Why Can't You Taste Your Tongue?

It may seem like a ridiculous question, but it's actually kind of a mindbender.

By Robert Lamb Apr 6, 2018 Human Nature / Human Perception

Why Are We So Crazy Over Celebrity Babies?

The announcements of Kylie Jenner's 'surprise' baby and Beyonce's pregnancy with twins were two of the most liked Instagrams of all time. Why do celebrity babies excite the public so much?

By Alia Hoyt Feb 9, 2018 Human Nature / Human Behavior

Are People Getting Lonelier? Experts Are Divided

Loneliness is such a prevalent problem that the British have appointed a minister for loneliness.

By Stell Simonton Feb 6, 2018 Human Nature / Emotions

There's Science Behind the Secrets We Humans Keep

Secrets can take a measurable mental and physical toll on those who keep — and share — them.

By Laurie L. Dove Dec 28, 2017 Human Nature / Human Behavior

How Imaginary Friends Work

Many kids grow up with imaginary friends. Why do they rely on these make-believe playmates and are they a sign of trouble or great things?

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Human Nature / Human Behavior

Blind People Don't Always Have the Same Facial Expressions as Sighted People

Are facial expressions learned or innate? A study that looked at the facial expressions of people blind from birth found mixed results.

By Alia Hoyt Jul 20, 2017 Human Nature / Emotions

Is Height a Factor in Our Health and Happiness?

Short or tall, height affects us all — but does it have the power to determine how long we live, or whether we're happy?

By Laurie L. Dove Jul 13, 2017 Human Nature / Emotions

The Language You Speak Affects How You Perceive Time

Swedish speakers tend to measure time by distance, while Spanish speakers tend to say measure it by volume. But how does this difference in expression affect how people perceive time?

By Shelley Danzy Jun 7, 2017 Human Nature / Human Perception

Why All the Hullabaloo Over Handshakes? They Matter

We've all performed this social ritual thousands of times but, as it turns out, there's a right way and a wrong way to shake hands. A psychologist who has studied the art and psychology behind handshakes explains.

By John Donovan Jun 5, 2017 Human Nature / Human Behavior