The Negativity Bias: Why Bad Stuff Sticks
There is a reason why negative emotions have a greater psychological impact than positive ones. We can thank our ancestors for that.
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Melissa Hughes
- May 1
- 5 min
Do our Names Shape our Lives?
Studies show we gravitate toward occupations and lifestyles that fit our names.It sounds incredibly narcissistic, but the research is clear.
Melissa Hughes
- Apr 13
- 3 min
So, You Say You're Not Biased?
Most of us would like to believe we are not biased. The question is not "are you biased?" but rather "HOW are you biased. Bias blind spot
Melissa Hughes
- Apr 1
- 3 min
Those Invisible Forces that Make Us Predictably Irrational
As incredible as the brain is, it’s also incredibly flawed. We all have biases that make us irrational, and they are completely predictable.
Melissa Hughes
- Mar 9
- 3 min
The Rule of Three
Have you ever noticed how many things come in threes? The 3 little pigs, 3-ring circus, 3rd time is a charm. The brain loves threes!
Melissa Hughes
- Feb 8
- 5 min
The Value of Things has Nothing to do with Money
The IKEA effect is a fascinating aspect of our psychological wiring and explains how we tend to place more value on things we make ourselves
Melissa Hughes
- Jan 13
- 2 min
The Power of "People Like Me"
There is a secret to becoming more likable and it's remarkably simple.
Psychologists call this phenomenon the "reciprocity of liking."
Melissa Hughes
- Jun 24, 2022
- 3 min
Inquiring Minds are Smarter... and Happier!
Whether you define happiness as a state of being or an emotion, research shows that our happiness is directly correlated with curiosity.
Melissa Hughes
- Jun 15, 2022
- 6 min
The Persuasive Power of Social Proof
Social proof shows up in every aspect of our behavior and decisions. What other people say, think and do are powerful motivators.
Melissa Hughes
- May 27, 2022
- 7 min
Why Facts Backfire
The most vocal defenders of any position are usually the least willing to consider a different point of view. There are 3 biases to blame.
Melissa Hughes
- Apr 8, 2022
- 4 min
The Power of Psychological Anchors
Psychological anchors influence every aspect of our lives - from perceptions to evaluations to decisions - often resulting in errors.
Melissa Hughes
- Mar 17, 2021
- 4 min
The Flawed Brain that Tricks the Mind
When you hear the word bias, what comes to mind? Racial prejudice? Maybe you think of mainstream media or a particular political persuasion.
Melissa Hughes
- Feb 25, 2021
- 3 min
Compared to What? The Power of the Contrast Effect
Contrast effect is an unconscious bias that happens when two things are judged in comparison to one another, instead of individually.