Psychology News Round-Up: ICYMI May 18, 2018

This week's roundup features the latest on biracial identity, experts, happiness, and motivation. Recently in the news, written a post, or have selections you'd like us to consider? Email us, use the hashtag #SPSPblog, or tweet us directly @spspnews.

On the Blogs

I study biracial identity in America. Here’s why Meghan Markle is a big deal. via VOX

SPSP Op-ed grant recipient Sarah Gaither writes, "Biracial representation is sorely needed in a country with a fraught relationship with mixed-race people."

Why do people listen to “experts” even when they are inaccurate? via Character & Context

Yuan Chang Leong and Jamil Zaki explore the causes and consequences of undue optimism in advisers.

Finland is the happiest country in the world, and Finns aren't happy about it via Scientific American Opinions

"We Finns reacted the same way as we have reacted to other top rankings in various international comparisons: we criticized the methodology of the study, questioned its conclusions and pointed to the shortcomings of Finnish society," writes Frank Martela.

Short-term rewards don’t sap long-term motivation via Chicago Booth Review

"If you’re temporarily paid to do something, would that change your motivation or interest in doing the same thing when you’re not paid to do it anymore?," asks Oleg Urminsky.

What’s wrong with positivity? via UnDark
"The field of positive psychology has been lambasted in recent years — but let’s not discount the numerous benefits of positive emotions," argues Judith Moskowitz.

In the News

From collards to maple syrup, how your identity impacts the food you like via NPR

Conspiracy theorists are not necessarily paranoid via PsyPost

Women use gossip as weapon against romantic rivals, Florida State research says via Tallahassee Democrat

A study of 7,000 workers showed the standout trait of productive people can easily be learned via Business Insider

Whites distrust biracial people when their racial presentation varies, study finds via PhysOrg

Boost your motivation by focusing on why you need to complete a task via LifeHacker

Giving advice creates a sense of power via Psychology Today

Psychological research shows how biased we are when it comes to female leadership via Forbes

Some hard numbers on science’s leadership problems via Nature

The reason it's so hard to ask for help via Quartz at Work

PODCASTS

SPSP Op-ed grant recipient Marie Helweg Larsen is featured in this episode of Inside Higher Ed's Academic Minute: Hygge.

SPSP Op-ed grant recipient Sarah Gaither speaks in this episode of BBC's The Documentary Podcast: My Mixed Up World (near 42 minute mark).

On Twitter

Please take the SPSP conference climate survey! #RT #SPSP https://t.co/qC2OULbe8P
— Olivia L Holmes (@olouholmes) May 15, 2018

The Academic Vending Machine (AVM). What do you need today? pic.twitter.com/7NTOVkxGX6
— RedPen/BlackPen (@redpenblackpen) May 14, 2018

How easily do you trust? Study shows that those who trust indiscriminately are seen as less competent and less moral than those who are more conditional about extending trust @PCalseyde @SPSPnews https://t.co/ArGzpiC7uF pic.twitter.com/PVekhVKmwC
— Kent Grayson (@KentGrayson) May 16, 2018

It made me think of this article on how having a supportive partner is even more important as a woman in academia... especially when it comes to having kids https://t.co/visnUZ8ggU
— Lea Duran (@LeaDuranVoto) May 14, 2018

So here's the updated table on PhD defense customs. I couldn't fit in all the data suggestions but thanks for the corrections and people who gave complete country info! pic.twitter.com/MZqDZo0ucp
— Roger Giner-Sorolla (@RogertheGS) April 25, 2018

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What did we miss? Did you recently complete a media interview, write a post, or have your work featured in the news? Want to be in the next edition? Drop us a note and a link at press@spsp.org. Your contributions keep us engaged.

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happiness