Here’s a quote…
In a finding that sheds new light on the neural mechanisms involved in social behavior, neuroscientists at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have pinpointed the brain structure responsible for our sense of personal space.
Our closest acquaintances are nearly strangers to us - and that might not be so bad
(H/T Jason Malloy)
Psychologists at the University of California, Los Angeles say the human body has a gene that connects physical pain sensitivity with social pain sensitivity. The findings back the common theory that rejection ‘hurts’ by showing that a gene regulating the body’s most potent painkillers — mu-opioids — is involved in socially painful experiences too.
Here’s an interesting study on how women show interest in other guys depends on whether they have a guy already or not. (I know, some people might be saying, “duh”.)
A study by Indiana University neuroscientist Heather Rupp found that a woman’s partner status influenced her interest in the opposite sex. In the study, women both with and without sexual partners showed little difference in their subjective ratings of photos of men when considering such measures as masculinity and attractiveness. However, the women who did not have sexual partners spent more time evaluating photos of men, demonstrating a greater interest in the photos. No such difference was found between men who had sexual partners and those who did not.
[…]
This is the first study to report whether having a current sexual partner influences interest in the opposite sex. Other studies have demonstrated that hormones, relationship goals and social context influence such interest.
[…]
The researchers also note that influence of partner status in women could reflect that women, on average, are relatively committed in their romantic relationships, “which possibly suppresses their attention to and appraisal of alternative partners.”
(Emphasis mine.)
(Link)
This is one of those studies that make you say, “duh”. But it’s nice to see that someone went and checked and measured to make sure their personal experiences are representative of what’s happening in reality.
Men are far more interested in casual sex than women. While men need to be exceptionally attractive to tempt women to consider casual sex, men are far less choosy. […] The research shows that men are more likely than women to report having had casual sex and they express a greater desire for it than do women. It is also thought that women but not men raise their standards of attractiveness for a casual sex partner.
(Link)
His discussion on Autism is interesting. In that he defines Autism as a cognitive profile, rather than an outcome. Watch the video… it is worth watching.
Beliefs, Aliefs, and Daydreams
This is a BloggingHeads video with Paul Bloom and Tamar Szabo Gendler.
An interesting psychology video. It also defines the term “Alief”.
