By Laura Zimmerman, March 2016, Vol 47, No. 3, Print version: page 46 Research has consistently shown that people’s ability to detect lies is no more accurate than chance, or flipping a coin. This finding holds across all types of people — students, psychologists, judges, job interviewers and law enforcement personnel (Personality and Social Psychology Review, 2006).…
Read MoreGenuine Sadness: Erin Andrews
In tearful testimony, sports personality Erin Andrews took the stand in court against a man who stalked and filmed her naked in a Tennessee hotel. If you look at the image above and the short clip of some of her testimony below, there is no question that Andrews is feeling genuine sadness when recounting how…
Read MoreSpeaking of Psychology: Nonverbal Communication Speaks Volumes
If you think reading people is not a science, think again. Understanding expressions that only appear on someone’s face for tenths of a second can mean a lot to those who know what to look for. In this episode of “Speaking of Psychology” (an American Psychological Association Podcast), psychologist and nonverbal communication expert David Matsumoto,…
Read MoreAre You Catching Other People’s Emotions?
By Stacey Colino for US News and World Report If you’ve ever felt as though you caught a co-worker’s or family member’s mood, it probably wasn’t your imagination. Emotions can be transmitted more easily than colds or flus – faster than the blink of an eye! Research has found that upbeat emotions such as enthusiasm…
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