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Lifestyle & Belief
Why do we love conspiracy theories?
PRI's The World
November 20, 2013
Conspiracy theories are a dime a dozen — especially if you spend much time on the internet. And they are not unique to Americans. Researchers now have some clues about why conspiracy theories are so popular, and persistent.
Lifestyle & Belief
In Peru, this is why people lock public streets and pay to use public parks
PRI's The World
December 12, 2013
During Peru's civil strife in the 80s and 90s, insecurity got so bad that people started paying for gates and guards to block the entrances to their streets. Now, that distrust of institutions is hard for Peruvians to shake.
Sports
In some cultures, psyching up for competition means quieting down
PRI's The World
January 17, 2014
For an Indian tennis player, silence is the best preparation for a game. A Costa Rican polo player challenges his inner "sissy." And a German water polo star focuses on analyzing the moves of his opponents. It turns out, your country and culture have something to do with what works to motivate you.
Development & Education
It is amazing what happens when you tell kids they are more than their grades and test scores
PRI's The World
July 16, 2014
Every parent knows their kids are more than just their grades. Still, they also tell kids grades matter. No wonder an English elementary school headmaster set off a social media storm when she helped write a letter to students telling them not worry so much about their scores, since "there are many ways of being smart."
Environment
A new study found people are terrible at sitting alone with their thoughts. How about you?
Science Friday
July 19, 2014
How long can you sit alone and do nothing except think? A group of researchers at the University of Virginia wanted to know. And they ended up with a shocking answer to the question.
Business
How do you succeed as an entrepreneur? Go crazy
The Takeaway
October 09, 2014
There are plenty of entrepreneurs who have potentially groundbreaking — or at least profitable — ideas. But a new book says there are far fewer with the confidence to simply throw themselves into their projects, even though that may be the key to success.
Science
Is the notion of 'innate genius' widening science's gender gap?
Science Friday
January 25, 2015
What determines success? Just intelligence? What about grit and determination? A recent study shows that fields in which people believe 'innate genius' determines success have fewer women than men. What's THAT about?
Culture
Primary school isn't too soon to start breaking stereotypes. It's the best time.
Innovation Hub
May 14, 2015
Stereotypes are so pervasive that studies show people can fall victim to them even when they're watching young children play. That's why one researcher says it's never too early to start teaching kids, especially in schools, that racial biases aren't correct. In fact, the earlier they learn, the better they learn.
Science
Whether you make the right choice or the wrong choice, there's quite a bit of science behind it
Innovation Hub
July 13, 2015
There’s more to morality than what we learned in the Gerber and Elmo years.
Culture
Watching movies may help you build empathy
YES! Magazine
October 21, 2015
Can something as simple as watching movies — and empathizing with fictional characters — help generate more compassion and understanding in the real world? Roger Ebert thought so, and science agrees.