Two older women and one man are walking down the street, with their arms interlocked

Ageing and Stereotypes

Professor Bill Von Hippel, psychologist, finds that older people rely more on stereotypes to make decisions which can make them more inflexible to new ideas and to changes.

Continue reading “Ageing and Stereotypes”
Close up of two people with outstretched hands touching

Social Science of Helping Others

Sociology and psychology studies show that supporting people by complementing their knowledge and talents has better outcomes in comparison to times when we impose our help upon others. This applies with parenting, between couples, and in times of conflict involving strangers.

Continue reading “Social Science of Helping Others”
A man holds a smiling ballon and a sign that says 'smile for peace,' while another man sings on the street of Sydney

Psychology of Happiness

Cornell University Psychologist, Dr Thomas Gilovich, has studied how experiences have a longer lasting cognitive benefit than the happiness that comes from material goods.

Continue reading “Psychology of Happiness”
Men work on a train track

Rethinking Motivations for Paid Work

Psychologist, Prof Barry Schwartz, argues that making paid work more meaningful for both blue and white collar workers begins with changing what we think about the motivations of paid labour. 

Continue reading “Rethinking Motivations for Paid Work”
Wooden tiles spell out: I'm sorry

Sociology of Apologising

A sociology study finds that white men in public positions, especially politicians, are most likely to have to issue a public statement of apology, usually in connection to racism or a similarly offensive remark.

Continue reading “Sociology of Apologising”