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Top 5 Surprising Psychology Facts

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There’s nothing as fascinating as human psychology. We know that the brain has a big influence on the way we behave psychologically. But even though we use our brains every day, but we know so little about how it works. Still, science has uncovered some interesting tidbits about human psychology. See how many of the following five psychology facts take you by surprise.

1. Pygmalion Effect

The Pygmalion effect is the official term for self-fulfilling prophecy. It has to do with meeting expectations. People who are expected to do better, do better. This holds true in all kinds of environments, including the school environment. The opposite effect can happen, too. The Pygmalion effect holds true when expectations are low. If a person’s expectations are that they will fail, they will be more likely to fail. 

2. Confirmation Bias

Did you know that you research things to validate what you already believe? This is called confirmation bias. It means that you give more weight to information that aligns with what you already think is true. It also means that you discount information that clashes with your beliefs. Oh, did you think you were a completely objective person? Nope. Unless you’re being paid to give equal weight to both sides, chances are you are guilty of confirmation bias.

3. Memory Distortion

You may think that memories are facts that stay the same. But memories can be manipulated. Let’s say you witnessed a crime. You’re questioned by a detective. The detective keeps asking if the perp had a mustache. You can’t remember, you say. The detective goes on to describe the mustache. You’re sure he didn’t have a gray mustache and a small goatee, he asks? You start to doubt yourself. You know, now that you mention it, I think he did, you say. Yes, I’m certain of it now. It’s frightening that memories can be manipulated in this way. Especially for someone who’s being accused of a crime. Yikes.

4. Bystander Effect

Bystander effect has to do with being in a crowd. The more people who are bystanders when an emergency happens, the less likely it is that any one person will actually do something about it. The reasoning is that each person assumes that either someone else is more qualified to help. Or maybe each person just thinks someone else will help. By the time people realize that no one is helping, well, it may just be too late. The next time you see something, step up, folks!

5. Fundamental Attribution Error

Fundamental attribution error is a psychology term that says that others attribute your words and actions to your personality, not to your situation. Let’s say you have an employee who comes in late almost every day. You make a judgement about him that he’s irresponsible. When you show up late the next day, you don’t think of yourself as irresponsible. You know that road construction is messing up your commute. But your employee is deemed to be irresponsible for exhibiting the same behavior as you because you attribute his actions to his personality, not on his situation, which you know nothing about.

These five psychological facts give insight into how our psyche actually works. It’s interesting that we operate on subconscious, hard-wired behaviors in so many areas of our lives. 

 

5 Real Life Heroism Stories

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In the movies, heroes are handsome, strong and endowed with superhuman strength. But these real life heroism stories show that you don’t need any of those things to be a hero.

1. Saved From a Vicious Dog

Little Nicole Walker can honestly say that she has the best brother in the whole wide world. While 6-year old Bridger Walker and his 4 year old sister Nicole were visiting friends, a vicious dog suddenly ran toward them. Bridger positioned himself in front of his baby sister, moving so the dog couldn’t get to her. When the dog’s sharp teeth bit into Bridger’s face, he yelled for his sister to run. After the dog relinquished his grip, Bridger took his sister to a secure place to hide until help arrived. Bridger suffered severe lacerations to his face, needing over 90 stitches and several follow-up operations. Little Nicole was unharmed. Bridger Walker is a real life hero and an example to us all.

2. Pulled From a Submerged Car

A car accident left the driver unconscious while his car became submerged in Hauser, Oregon. The first witness, Molly Silva, immediately pulled over, jumped into the lake and swam toward the car. Next, Kris Hunter, a passerby who is a commercial diver, quickly put on his dive suit and headed out to where the vehicle had sunk. Yet a third hero used his truck winch and, working with the diva, pulled the car to the bank. By then, rescue officials had arrived and were able to extricate the driver and bring him back to consciousness. This is  heartwarming story of real life heroism with everyone working together.

3. Rescued From a Train Wreck

When a 72 year old driver’s car got stuck on railroad tracks in Kane County, Illinois, he was in immediate danger. Realizing that a train was coming, a passerby quickly jumped into action. When he got to the car, he found that the driver was having a medical emergency, and wasn’t able to move. With the train approaching, the hero unbuckled the man and lifted him from the vehicle to safety before the train smashed into the car, leaving it a jumbled mass of metal.

4. Saved in the Last Ten Seconds

An unknown hero pulled a man to safety just ten minutes before it would have been too late. In New York, a man in a wheelchair had somehow rolled off the platform and fallen onto the train tracks. With just ten seconds remaining, a hero jumped onto the tracks himself and lifted the man to safety right before the train sped into the station. The hero left before anyone could get his name.

5. Human Chain Rescue

On a sunny day in Panama City Beach, a young girl struggled to hold her head above water. Two women swam in to save the girl. One woman emerged with the girl safely in tow. The other woman continued to struggle in the rough waters. After a male beachgoer tried and failed to save the woman, a group of bystanders formed a human chain of 12 real life heroes. Everyone was brought safely to shore, and lives were saved.

Top 5 Revealing Personality Traits

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Your personality influences many of the choices you make, from your friends to the political candidates you vote for. Understanding your personality traits can provide insight into those decisions, along with your strengths and weaknesses. Most psychologists today accept the "five-factor model," which was developed into its current form during the 1990s. This system rates a person according to the following five traits:

  • Openness to experience
  • Conscientiousness
  • Extroversion
  • Agreeableness
  • Neuroticism

1. Openness to Experience

People who rate high on this trait have a vivid imagination and broad range of interests. They prefer routines that are flexible rather than rigidly structured due to their creative and curious nature. People who are open to experience also tend to pursue self-actualization through experiences like living abroad and meditation. Openness is the only trait in the five-factor model that consistently predicts political behavior. For example, people high in this trait are more likely to vote for a liberal candidate. Avoid investors who are high in openness, as they may be more prone to excessive risks due to overconfidence.

2. Conscientiousness

Conscientiousness people are well-organized, efficient and dependable. They prefer to plan their schedule in advance and have a strong desire to achieve challenging goals. However, people who are low in conscientiousness may regard those high in this trait as obsessive and stubborn. Your own chances of workplace success increase when your partner is conscientious, since that person can boost your productivity.

3. Extroversion

Extroverts gain energy from social activity, so they’re outgoing and talkative. They’re comfortable in the spotlight, which introverts may view as attention-seeking or domineering. Men with strong handshakes are more likely to be extroverts and less likely to be neurotic. However, this tendency doesn’t apply to female extroverts.

4. Agreeableness

People with a high agreeableness rating are affectionate, trustworthy and kind. They often exhibit social behavior such as volunteer work and other altruistic activities, but others may view them as overly passive and even naive. Financial investors who are agreeable are less likely to lose money, especially from risky trades.

5. Neuroticism

Neurotic people have a greater degree of emotional instability, which others may view as insecurity. They’re more likely to experience strong negative emotions like anxiety and irritability, making them excitable and reactive. Neurotic people tend to publish more photos on social media as a means of gaining acceptance. However, they’re less likely to post comments that could be viewed as controversial.

Summary

Most people have a personality that develops at an early age and remains relatively stable throughout their lives. For example, the traits you exhibit by the age of seven usually predict much of your adult behavior. It’s certainly possible to change these traits, but it usually requires a sustained effort over time.

5 Essential Tips To Manage The Stress Of College

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College offers lots of benefits and rewards in life, but it can be rife with stress. For many students, college is the first time they will be away from home. This can feel scary and stressful.

 

For other students, the stress of college has to do with the desire to get good grades. Ambitious college students are more likely to put demands on themselves that lead to feelings of stress.

 

Some students feel stress at college because of peer pressure. There are feelings of wanting to fit in and make new friends.

 

Whatever the reason, there are effective ways to manage the stress of college. Here are five ways to cut down on stress during the college years.

 

1. Get Exercise

 

Physical health is closely related to mental health. It’s easy to become lazy in college. After all that mental excursion in class, you may just want to sit around and watch TV. But being lazy can lead to feelings of stress.

 

Instead, make sure you get some form of exercise every day. After classes, enjoy a long, leisurely walk on campus. Consider taking an exercise class or going for a swim. It will do you good!

 

2. Be Social

 

When you’re feeling stressed out, you may think you won’t be good company. But being around friends is a good way to de-stress. You can talk to your friends about feelings of stress. You’ll probably discover that your friends feel the same way, and this can actually make you feel better. Knowing that you’re not alone in your feelings of stress can be a big relief. You and your friends can get through it together.

 

3. Seek Counseling

 

If you’re feeling really stressed and can’t seem to come out of it, seek counseling. Most colleges have trained counselors on staff to help students dealing with stress. Go to the administrative offices and find out what resources your college offers. Trained professionals will understand your feelings and help you to learn how to overcome stress.

 

4. Find an Outlet

 

Many feelings of stress are actually negative emotions that build up inside. If you can find a way to release those negative emotions, you may feel more relaxed.

 

Some people release stress by taking up physical hobbies like running or boxing. Others find that dancing is a great outlet. Just be sure to avoid dangerous vices like alcohol and drugs to relieve stress. Substance abuse will quickly lead to its own set of problems. Find an outlet that isn’t addictive and that doesn’t harm your body.

 

5. Tell Your Parents

 

Sometimes stress comes from parental expectations. If this is you, try talking to your parents about it. Tell them that you feel they have high expectation. Explain that this is making your feel more stressed than is healthy. After an honest chat, chances are you’ll feel better.

 

Use these five essential tips to manage the stress of college, and everything will be easier from here on out.

 

Ten Profound Quotes from Surprising Sources

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You typically expect great quotes to come from politicians, statesmen and military commanders. While celebrities are often quoted, it’s rare for them to say something profound. Here are ten times they did.

1. “The way you create a better future is by studying the past.” – Steven Spielberg

The Oscar-winning director said these words to the graduating class at Harvard University in 2016. Spielberg dropped out of college in the 1960s, eventually earning his degree much later in life. He earned credits in a paleontology class from his experience in making Jurassic Park.

2. “I am pretty fearless, and you know why? Because I don’t handle fear very well; I’m not a good terrified person.” – Stevie Nicks

The Fleetwood Mac singer discussed her fears in a 2001 interview with fellow singer Sheryl Crow. Nicks also said she knew she would be famous when she was 16.

3. “Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe.” – Oprah Winfrey

The media mogul delivered this line to the graduating class of Wellesley College in 1997 to encourage them to set lofty goals. Winfrey runs a media empire now, but grew up in poverty and had many struggles earlier in life.

4. “To fulfill a dream, to be allowed to sweat over lovely labor, to be given the chance to create, is the meat and potatoes of life. The money is the gravy.” – Bette Davis

The award-winning actress wrote these words in her 1962 autobiography “The Lonely Life.” Davis had four marriages and an acting career that lasted for decades.

5. “Music itself is going to become like running water or electricity.” – David Bowie

This quote by the influential musician comes from a 2002 interview by Jon Pareles. Bowie discusses his expectations for the music industry that he was part of for many years.

6. “A teacher, a really good sensei, is never a giver of ‘truth’; he is a guide, a pointer to the truth that the student must discover for himself.” – Bruce Lee

The martial arts expert wrote this line in an article for Black Belt magazine in 1971. Lee was instrumental in bringing martial arts to the West before his sudden death in 1973.

7. “I believe any success in life is made by going into an area with a blind, furious optimism.” – Sylvester Stallone

Stallone was one of the biggest names in Hollywood when he said this about his autistic son in a 1985 interview with People magazine.

8. “Happiness was always important to me. Even at the young age of 11, it was my biggest ambition.” – Goldie Hawn

The award-winning actress talks more about achieving lasting happiness and her family than her career in her 2005 autobiography, “A Lotus Grows in the Mud.”

9. “The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.” – Muhammad Ali

The heavyweight boxing legend made this profound statement in a 1975 interview with Playboy magazine.

10. “My drive in life is from this horrible fear of being mediocre. And that’s always pushing me, pushing me.” – Madonna

The controversial singer had already enjoyed a long career that was anything but mediocre when she said this line in a 1991 Vanity Fair interview.

5 Apps To Make Studying A Breeze

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Studying is an essential part of college life, but many students find it boring. However, it doesn’t have to be this way with the new apps that are currently available. The following five apps can be a great help to you, whether you’re attending a traditional university or studying for your degree online. Keep watching to learn more about how these apps make studying a breeze.

Evernote

Evernote is one of the best organizational apps available. It provides multiple functions for streamlining your note-taking and scheduling processes, including attachments, checklists, links and audio recordings. The free subscription comes with 60 MB of uploads per month, which you can synchronize across two devices. This feature allows you to access notebooks from your desktop even when you’re off-line. The paid subscription adds email forwarding, annotated PDF files and note presentation with a single click.

My Study Life

My Study Life is available for free on a variety of platforms, including Android, iPhone, Windows 8, Windows Phone and the web. It allows you to store information on your exams, homework and lectures on the cloud and manage them from your device. You can also synchronize data across platforms, so you can still access it if you lose your Wi-Fi connection. My Study Life notifies you of due dates for homework, as well as scheduling conflicts between classes and exams.

XMind

Exploring new ideas by mapping them out is sometimes the best way to approach an assignment. XMind is a study app that lets you map ideas, allowing them to flow more freely. XMind includes multiple templates and a matrix that help you change the logic and organization of your ideas. You can also export your maps from XMind to Evernote.

Scanner Pro

Scanner Pro turns your iPad or iPhone into a portable scanner, which is especially useful for accessing physical text from multiple locations. For example, you can scan pages from a book in a library without having to check it out. Once you scan your study material, you can upload them to the cloud. Scanner Pro also includes options to create workflows for any of its processes. In addition, this app recognizes text embedded in images, allowing you to search them.

Chegg Prep

Chegg Prep is a study aid specifically designed for students who learn best with flashcards. It allows you to create flashcards on any subject or type of test. You can customize your cards, including adding your own images to them. Once you’ve mastered a card, you can remove it from your deck. Chegg Prep also allows you to download thousands of cards that other students have created, if you don’t want to make your own. This app is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

So You’ve Been Ghosted: Here’s What To Do

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No one likes rejection, and being ghosted with no warning is often painful and confusing. It is completely understandable why someone who has been ghosted would want to know why. Too often, people tend to blame themselves in situations like this. People who have been ghosted sometimes respond with anger and frustration. While these are normal emotions under the circumstances, it’s important to avoid acting impulsively in the aftermath of being ghosted. Here’s what you should do:

Step Away From the Screen

Even a short break from electronic communication puts being ghosted in greater perspective. Go for a walk, or go out for coffee while leaving your device behind. This helps prevent you from giving in to the impulse to lash out at the person who ghosted you and lets you take a fresh look at the situation. Keep in mind that as many as 25% of all people who use dating apps are ghosted at some point. 

Don’t Pursue the Connection

After you’ve calmed down from an initial ghosting, you may be tempted to contact the person and calmly ask what happened. Most of the time, this is a mistake. The main reason people ghost is to avoid confrontation. Unfortunately, electronic communications make that an easy and convenient option. Nonetheless, you should listen if the person reaches out to you with an explanation. Perhaps a family emergency or other unexpected circumstance was the cause of the abrupt cessation of communication. In this case, you have not actually been ghosted. 

Consider Yourself Lucky

One of the main reasons people ghost is that they lack the emotional maturity to have an adult conversation. They may also have a mental health condition, such as narcissistic personality disorder, that causes them to lack empathy for others. After the initial sting of rejection wears off, you’ll probably be happy that the person ghosted you so that you can move on to better choices. 

How to Prevent Being Ghosted

If you find yourself being ghosted time and time again, it may be time for a good look in the mirror. It could be as simple as connecting with the wrong people. On the other hand, you could be putting unknowingly something out there that’s making people think twice about becoming involved with you. This may occur more frequently with those who are new to dating apps and to dating in general. 

To minimize being ghosted on dating apps, don’t be pushy or overly needy. Keep communications short and sweet — after all, the whole point of these apps is for two people to decide if they want to meet in person. Avoid sensitive topics and be appropriate, respectful, and prepared to move on if it doesn’t work out. 

 

 

 

How Easy Is It To Start Speed Reading?

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People often think about how much they could accomplish if only they could read faster. The idea of greatly increasing your reading speed is certainly tempting, which is why so many speed reading courses exist. While a poor reader may be able to significantly increase reading speed by eliminating bad habits, highly proficient readers are likely to find their reading speed is limited by human physiology. The ease with which you can start speed reading is therefore dependent upon your initial level of skill.

Maximum Speed

Language at the Speed of Sight: How We Read, Why So Many Can’t, and What Can Be Done About It by Mark Seidenberg provides some general figures on a person’s maximum reading speed. Humans can read a maximum of about eight letters per fixation, which we can do up to five times per second. This means we can read a maximum of 40 letters per second, or 2,400 letters per minute. Words have an average of five letters separated by a space, for a total of six words. That means the maximum reading speed is about 400 words per minute, assuming easy reading material with basic comprehension.

Skimming

The exact figures on reading speed aren’t particularly important. The point is, reading speed can’t be significantly increased above a certain limit without seriously sacrificing comprehension. Furthermore, that limit is much lower than the speed claimed by many self-professed speed readers. These people are generally skimming the material by only focusing on words they deem important, resulting in a speed that’s much higher than what should be possible. However, controlled tests usually show that speed readers have poor comprehension and even worse retention.

Practice

While reading faster than 300 to 400 words per minute without sacrificing comprehension isn’t really feasible, many people read more slowly than this. Regular practice is the key to increasing reading speed, especially if you aren’t as proficient at it as you could be. For example, skilled readers have greater background knowledge about the differences between written and spoken language. Acquiring this information requires you to read, as opposed to learning the various “tricks” of speed reading.

At a conscious level, reading is merely a means of understanding written text, whether it’s for education, entertainment or communication. Subconsciously, reading also helps you develop the elaborate knowledge of linguistics needed to read quickly. In addition to regular practice, you also need to read new material that contains new words or familiar words used in new ways. A large sample of genres and writing styles is therefore essential for improving your reading proficiency.

Summary

The idea that you can greatly increase your reading speed is generally a fallacy if you’re already a proficient reader. However, it is possible for regular reading to improve your speed over time, although this may be a slow process. Increasing your knowledge of written language is crucial for reaching the physiological limits of your reading speed.

10 Self-Care Activities You Can Do Right Now

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How long has it been since you’ve taken some time out for yourself? Good thing you’ve stumbled across this video! We’ve pulled together simple self-care activities you can do right now that won’t interrupt your busy day at all. In fact, if you have just a few short minutes, we’ll show you 10 ways you can take care of yourself now or at any time. 

1. Take some deep breaths 

As simple as it sounds, just taking a minute to take a few deep breaths delivers all kinds of benefits to the mind and body. Deep breathing negates stress, helps the body relax, reduces muscular tension and blood pressure, and more. 

2. Get up and get moving

Did you know that just 10 minutes of exercise pumps up your endorphins? If you’ve been couch-surfing, stuck at the desk, or otherwise immobile, get up and move around for a few minutes. You’ll get your blood circulating and those feel-good endorphins flowing. 

3. Say a few positive things to yourself 

Muting negative self-talk is a powerful way to improve your mood. If you’ve got a few minutes to yourself, overshadow the usual negative self-talk with some positive affirmations. 

4. Hydrate 

Water intake is good for everything from your gut to your brain function. If you’ve been so busy that you’ve overlooked hydrating, grab a bottle of water and replenish that H2O. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

5. Listen to a good audiobook 

Turn off your thoughts, close your eyes, and slip in your earbuds. Audiobooks are a great way to take a breather from any current stress you are facing. 

6. Write down three things you’re grateful for in life

Did you know that practicing gratitude is a good way to nourish a positive mindset? Grab a notebook and jot down three things you are grateful for in your life right now. 

7. Dress up a bit 

Never underestimate the power of applying your favorite lipstick, donning a crisp button-up and tie, or slipping into your favorite shoes. When you look good, you also feel good. 

8. Get silly and have some fun 

It may come as a surprise, but acting a little childlike and silly actually boosts serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. Basically, anything that could be described as being playful can work, whether it is doing a silly dance, making little jokes, or playing a quick game of hide-and-seek. 

9. Eat a high-protein snack 

Hard-boiled eggs, nut butters, Greek yogurt, and even some veggies deliver a hefty dose of protein. Grab yourself a high-protein snack to give your energy levels a boost, satiate hunger, and keep you going. 

10. Turn up your favorite tunes 

Music therapy is actually a thing. Listening to your favorite songs may even lift self-esteem and deter depression or anxiety. 

So, you see, you can practice self-care even if all you have are a few free minutes. Ready to take better care of you?

5 Tips To Boost Your Energy

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It’s common to feel sluggish at various times during the day. You could try one of the dozens of supplements, beverages and vitamins that promise to increase your energy. But these options provide short-term benefits and could cause long-term health concerns. Instead, try five natural methods to boost your energy throughout the day. 

1. Drink enough water

Get too busy or distracted to drink water, and you could suffer from dehydration. The condition can cause fatigue, tiredness and lethargy. Stay hydrated to boost your energy.  As a bonus, drinking water improves mood, brain function and joint health. You can drink enough water when you carry a reusable bottle and fill it during your work breaks. Also, resist the temptation to reach for a caffeinated or energy-infused beverage that could further dehydrate you. 

2. Eat a better diet

You may decide to skip meals, reach for sugary snacks or grab takeout when you feel tired. However, processed foods can cause blood sugar fluctuations that leave you feeling even more fatigued. Choose a nutritious and balanced diet to fuel and energize your body. Load your plate with whole-grain options, fruit, vegetables, and healthy fats like avocados and nuts. This diet will help you combat sluggishness and increase energy. 

3. Move your body

A brisk 10-minute walk, run or hike can instantly elevate your energy thanks to a dopamine rush and better oxygen circulation. Adding a variety of exercises to your daily routine also provides long-term physical and mental health benefits. As you move regularly, you reduce your risk of chronic disease, improve brain function and enjoy higher quality sleep. These benefits can help you feel more energetic throughout the day. 

4. Take a power nap

Sleep is essential for your body’s health and wellness. Without adequate rest, you may experience brain fog and physical heaviness. Strive to achieve quality sleep every night to improve your energy level. Sleep hygiene includes following a regular sleep schedule, turning off devices two hours before bed and practicing relaxation techniques. Likewise, a power nap during the day can help. Rest your body, mind and eyes to restore your focus, attention and energy. Just be sure not to nap too close to bedtime or you’ll sabotage quality sleep.

5. Control stress

Your body and mind expend energy when you experience stress. As a result, you may feel tired and worn out. To control stress, add relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices to your daily schedule. Find ways to delegate tasks or streamline your to-do list, too, since overwork leads to fatigue. You can also socialize with friends, join a support group, take up a hobby, or volunteer. When you control stress, your energy levels rise.  

With these five tips, you can boost your energy. Try one or more today!