Psychology

Emotional memories stick when the brain works ‘in harmony,’ study finds Abstract illustration depicting memories

Emotional memories stick when the brain works ‘in harmony,’ study finds

A team of UChicago psychology researchers used fMRI scans to learn why certain moments carry such lasting power

Listen to grandma—life’s not a zero-sum game An older man plays chess with a young boy. A bowl of fruit and orange juice sit on the coffee table next to them.

Listen to grandma—life’s not a zero-sum game

In new study, UChicago psychologists found that older people see the world as less win-lose than younger people

Origins of the ‘Ostrich Effect’ A photorealistic ostrich stands in a sandy desert with it's head stuck in the sand.

Origins of the ‘Ostrich Effect’

In recent study, UChicago researchers pinpoint the age we start avoiding information—even when it’s helpful

False Memories, explained A screenshot of Darth Vader from the film, Star Wars

False Memories, explained

Does the Monopoly Man have a monocle? The answer may be a false memory. At UChicago, scientists are studying this phenomenon, known as the Mandela effect, and how false memories form.

UChicago students debate and make deals in ‘Psychology of Negotiation’ course A seated Gia Fisher speaks while holding papers. Her name tag reads "Union."

UChicago students debate and make deals in ‘Psychology of Negotiation’ course

Each week, students navigate negotiations in popular course

Physical gestures can counteract stereotypes introduced by subtle linguistic cues Pupils raising their hands during class while a teacher points

Physical gestures can counteract stereotypes introduced by subtle linguistic cues

New UChicago research finds that children who saw an ‘equal’ gesture were more likely to express egalitarian beliefs

Researchers use AI and behavior to pinpoint when children begin productive language A young child plays with letter blocks while an adult watches on.

Researchers use AI and behavior to pinpoint when children begin productive language

UChicago-led study finds language memorization turns to generation around 30 months of age

Your ability to remember works of art may be predictable Three actors from the film Ferris Bueller's Day off stand diagonally from each other with their arms crossed. Behind them are several paintings.

Your ability to remember works of art may be predictable

UChicago study finds art has intrinsic memorability

Does everyone deserve compassion? A person standing is reaching down with a hand outstretched to someone below whose hand is also outstretched. Neither faces are visible.

Does everyone deserve compassion?

Recent study finds moral judgments limit our concern for others

Using a foreign language can reduce false memories, study shows Outline of a human head with a tangle of yellow and blue lines in the "brain." The yellow line leads outside the brain to the left and says "true" while the blue line leads to the right and reads "false."

Using a foreign language can reduce false memories, study shows

UChicago psychology study finds novel relationship between memory and bilingualism