Psychology
Humanities and Sciences
Harvard College Prof. Steven A. Pinker engaged in a conversation about the transcendence of the humanities and sciences with Edgar Pierce Prof. Susanna C. Siegel in light of the recent discussions about the importance of the humanities compared to the sciences.
Sorry NYTimes, But SLS 20 Is Actually Very Hard
The New York Times uses these words and phrases to describe Harvard psychology professor Steven Pinker and the tests he gives his students. Fair enough. But if the Times wants to give its readers an accurate idea of Science of Living Systems 20, it’s missing a big chunk of the picture—exactly half, in fact.
At William James, News of Alumnus's Death Came Late to Many
For most of those who work and study in William James Hall, the news that a 2006 College graduate jumped to his death from the building’s balcony last Thursday came in the form of passed notes, informal emails, and for some, not at all.
Avia Tadmor
“Clinical psychology and poetry are very different axes to the same ambiguous and complex human experience,” Tadmor says.
Business School Professor Examines 'Cheater's High'
As the unprecedented academic dishonesty case that rocked Harvard last year remains on the minds of students and faculty, a recently published article argues that cheating boosts self-satisfaction.
Fall Course Enrollments, Fall 2010-2013
Ec 10a was Harvard's highest-enrolled course this semester, narrowly beating out the rising CS50.
Study Reveals Early Malnutrition Affects Personality Formation
In a new study published last March in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Harvard researchers reveal that even a single incident of malnutrition in early childhood can have a profound effect on an individual’s adult personality. Individuals who had suffered from severe starvation as infants tended to be more neurotic and less adventurous, sociable, curious, and organized as adults.
"Living Compassion" Conversation Discusses Altruism in Everyday Life
Harvard affiliates discussed compassion and altruism and how the concepts apply to everyday life Thursday evening at Gutman Library during the third event in a series of panel-style conversations called “Living Compassion.”
Scaling Compassion
Professors, psychiatrists, youth empowerment leaders, and journalists speak about introducing compassion and kindness to the younger generation on Thursday. Held in the Gutman library, the panel was the final event in a series of three workshops centered on the theme of compassion.
Psychologists Talk About Minds and Research
More than a hundred students and community members packed Geological Lecture Hall Tuesday evening to listen to a conversation between psychology professors Steven Pinker and Howard E. Gardner ’65.
The Drama Over Bullying: What's in a Word?
In this series, Flyby Staff Writer Olivia M. Munk identifies, dissects, and discusses ideas, articles, and opinions found in popular media and popular culture. She's here to inform you and to make you think—about what's out there, what it means to us, and what it might mean for you.
Large Departments Encourage Students and Professors To Connect
The government and psychology departments have introduced new initiatives meant to encourage undergraduates to make personal connections with their professors, as large concentrations work to counteract the idea that their size allows for little contact between faculty and students.
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
With help from professors Andrew Berry, Stephen Blyth, and Steven Pinker, Fifteen Minutes celebrates Dr. Seuss's birthday and National Read Across America Day by reading an abridged version of Dr. Seuss's "Fox in Sox."
Richard Hackman, Pioneer in Team Psychology, Dies at 72
Over a career spanning nearly half a century, psychology professor J. Richard Hackman garnered widespread esteem and accolades for pioneering the study of team dynamics. But on the side, Hackman quietly devoted countless hours to improving one team in particular—the Harvard women's basketball squad, for which he volunteered as an honorary coach.
Study Will Examine Power Texting
Psychology professor Ellen J. Langer is conducting a study on power texting—the exchange of motivational text messages—in conjunction with the BEM Foundation.
Pinker Speaks About Violence at Book Signing
Harvard psychology professor Steven Pinker explained the long-range decline in human violence at a lecture and signing for his 2011 book “The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined.”
Professor Discusses the Root of Altruism
Felix Warneken, an assistant professor of psychology, discussed the question of whether human altruism is a product of biology or environmental conditions Tuesday evening in a seminar organized by the Harvard Society for Mind, Brain, and Behavio
Hauser Responds to Federal Report Published Today
In a statement to The Crimson, former Harvard psychology professor Marc D. Hauser responded to a report by the Office of Research Integrity published earlier today finding him responsible for six counts of research misconduct, including fabrication of data, doctoring of results, and misrepresentation of research methods.
Mankiw, Gilbert Discuss Decisions
Psychology professor Daniel T. Gilbert and economics professor N. Gregory Mankiw asked the audience, “What is your N?” in a conversation about psychology, economics, and happiness on Monday.