Theodore (Ted) Stark

This article explores recent research investigating whether large language models (LLMs) that power GenAI are better than human experts in predicting scientific outcomes. Is GenAI still "not quite there," or are they starting to catch up to humans?

This article examines recent research exploring the possibility of chimpanzees' performance in completing tasks being influenced by observers. This phenomenon is known as the audience effect. Is this limited to humans? Or could it also affect chimpanzees?

This article explores recent research into memory decline in adults as they age and how technology can assist them in executing light and complex memory-related tasks.

This article explores recent research exploring AI's role and influence on our ability to process different kinds of information. Will AI eliminate our ability to make informed decisions? Or, can it assist humans in making rapid or deliberate decisions?

his article explores research investigating the reasons and rationale behind the typical behavior of accepting terms of service and privacy policies without actually reading the agreement language.

This article explores recent research exploring what hints a person's smile can provide about their personality. Do smiles communicate warmth? Or can they communicate something else?

This article explores recent research exploring people's ability to detect deception in robots in various settings. This article also examines people's reactions when they realize they are being deceived. Are all lies considered equal? Read on to find out!

This article explores the role of visual experiences as our brain attempts to combine previous knowledge with new information.

This article examines recent research exploring whether integrating tactile feedback (or "tactile emoticons") could aid in communicating emotions more effectively in digital interactions such as text or social media.

This article examines recent research exploring whether our brains react differently when listening to natural voices from humans and synthetic voices generated by AI. How does your brain process the information even if it sounds the same? Read on to find out!

This article explores research that examines why our brains do not retain memories from seemingly mundane tasks and why vivid memories fade over time. It delves into the mechanics behind these processes and poses the question: Is it simply a matter of forgetting, or is something else happening? Read on to find out!

This article explores the complex behavior of procrastination, mainly how it is influenced by the allure of immediate gratification in our technology-driven society. Is there a one-size-fits-all solution? Or do anti-procrastination strategies need to be individually tailored? Read on to find out!

This article explores recent research on how neuroscience and artificial intelligence can work and benefit together as researchers attempt to better understand how our brain makes sense of vision and visual processing.

This article explores recent research investigating how a brain processes visual inputs and how this understanding might enable AI-powered autonomous robots to be more energy efficient.

This article discusses recent research on using AI to detect deepfake videos produced by Gen-AI. Is it possible to use AI to detect deepfake video content produced by Gen-AI?

This article examines recent research exploring ways people can mitigate feelings of loneliness and social exclusion in a world focused (primarily) on digital communication.

This article explores recent research on AI's potential to empathize with people and people's responses when empathy comes from humans rather than AI.

This article explores recent research investigating the elements that allow people to enter into a state where they're completely absorbed in what they're doing, to the point where everything else fades away (aka a flow state). Is mastery required? Is it intense critical thinking?

This article examines research exploring if, when, and why people, including healthcare workers, do or do not conceal an illness from a friend, colleague, or coworker. Are intentions the same thing as actions?

This article explores recent research investigating our ability to recall details of an event before and after a traumatic experience. Does the event play a role? Or, can the brain recall pre and post-event information with the same ease? Read on to find out!

This article explores recent research exploring what impact visual content, such as images on platforms like Google Images, may have on stereotypes that could influence gender bias.

This article examines recent research exploring the potential of personalized medicine, utilizing genetics, molecular biology, and AI to customize treatments to an individual, given the current state of AI models and their subsequent algorithms. Is AI to the point where the one-size-fits-all approach to medicine will become a thing of the past?

This article explores recent research on how children perceive and trust information and the implications of that perception when the information is wrong. Think kids will believe anything?

This article examines recent research exploring what happens in our brains when we daydream. Is it essential to always pay attention during the day? Or is there value in allowing the mind to wander?

This article explores recent research investigating neurotransmitters' role in the brain's ability to learn from positive and negative outcomes. Think dopamine is only released when we experience positive outcomes?

This article explores recent research on how the brain evaluates and reacts to humor. As we enter the full swing of the holiday season, learn how your brain knows to laugh at certain jokes and why you won't laugh at ones from your Uncle Norman!

This article explores recent research exploring the efficacy and usability of new technology designed to help people with visual impairments see the world through sound. #TechForGood

This article examines recent research exploring the differences in brain activity between in-person meetings and those occurring virtually (via Zoom, Teams, etc.). Do our brains respond differently? Is one better than the other?

This article explores recent research exploring the possibility of our brain being able to process and respond (nonverbally) to prompts while we are asleep.

This article examines recent research exploring how the brain reacts when exposed to audio stimuli delivered through surround sound. Does the brain respond differently to mono, stereo, and surround sound? Read on to learn more.

This article examines recent research exploring the question of responsibility when AI makes a mistake. Who is to blame?

This article examines recent research exploring the societal implications of using AR headsets or glasses with others. While a lot has been focused on the experience of the person with the glasses, what about the experience of the person sitting across from someone wearing the glasses?

This article examines new research attempting to unlock the neural mechanisms that allow us to ignore distractions and focus on a task.

This article examines recent research out of UCLA exploring if large language models (like GPT-3) can solve reasoning & spacial problems sometimes found in IQ tests and entrance exams like the SAT.

This article examines recent research exploring the conscious and unconscious processing of visual stimuli. Think you make random purchases? Perhaps they are not as random as you may think

This article examines recent research exploring the interplay between creative thinking, innovation, and today's always-on and always-connected society.

This article explores the phenomenon of having an answer right on the tip of your tongue. Does providing details about the word you are trying to recall help? Or hurt? Read on to find out!

This article examines recent research exploring the use of a charismatic tone by an artificial, text-to-speech voice and what impact that had on creativity amongst human workshop participants.

This article examines recent research using a novel approach to explore how our brains recognize and learn from mistakes.

This article examines new research exploring the ability of the training data behind machine-learning models in comparison to human decisions. Think all AI can do better than humans? Read on to find out more!

This article examines recent research exploring people's goals in making photos and what perspective (1st vs. 3rd person) people prefer. Should everything be a selfie?

This article examines recent research exploring children's perception of AI-powered "smart" devices. It then explores the children's perception of the device's physical, emotional, intellectual, and moral characteristics.

This article examines recent research exploring if the native language we learn as a child has any influence over the wiring of our brain. From a neural perspective, are all languages created equal?

This article examines recent research exploring how individuals associate meaning with words and how much similarity or difference there is when comparing word meaning from one person to the next. Think we all associate words in the same way? Read on to find out!

This article examines AI language models, like GPT-3, through the lens of cognitive psychology. How does AI perform against humans in a series of tasks? Read on to learn more!

This article examines recent research exploring the potential effects prolonged space travel has on the brain. As the talk around space tourism and colonization grows louder, what impact could those plans have on our brains?

This article examines recent research exploring polarization and bias within the context of how our brains process information.

This article explores new research exploring exactly how the brain encodes emotional memories and makes those memories easier to recall.

This article explores the possibility of our eyes being able to reveal a decision we've made, even before we've communicated that decision to others.

This article examines recent research using a novel approach to clustering social network behaviors and how that clustering translates into perceived social connections (online and in the real world).

This article examines recent research investigating additional factors which may contribute to the flavor profile and desirability of foods for picky eaters. We know smell and texture play a role in how food is interpreted, but could the color of the plate on which food is served also play a role?

This article examines recent research exploring the potential to grow human and animal brain cells in Petri dishes and teach them to perform goal-directed tasks, like playing a video game.

This article examines recent research exploring if machine-learning algorithms can learn to account for implicit factors of human behavior. For example, can they learn to consider a situation with more of a wide-angle lens? Read on to find out more!

This article examines recent research that challenges a long-held belief about how we view membership in various groups. Is the grass always greener on the other side? Read on to find out

This article examines recent exploration of the possibility of conversational agents (like Siri or Alexa) learning to interpret and laugh with humans.

This article examines the potential influence climate change may have on people's online behavior - specifically online hate speech. Do extreme temperatures have any influence on online behavior? Read on to find out.

This article examines new research exploring the possibility of a person with paralysis being able to control multiple robotic prosthetic limbs at once, using only brain signals.

This article examines recent research exploring the impact of performing random acts of kindness.

This article examines recent research exploring if robots can learn to perform a series of tasks by only observing a human a single time. How could this approach benefit humans, and what implications could it have on machine learning and artificial intelligence training models? Read more to find out.

This article explores recent research investigating the effects of viewing artwork via digital platforms - a popular activity during the COVID-19 onset. Do you have to be physically in the room with the art to benefit? Or, can digitally experiencing art have a benefit to well-being?

This article examines recent research exploring the possibility of an individual performing photo manipulations of a digital photograph using nothing but their thoughts.

This article examines recent research attempting to quantify the ability of a team to generate ideas in-person and remotely creatively.

This article examines research exploring the possibility of retrofitting Bluetooth earbuds to enable a Brain-Computer Interface via a person's smartphone.

This article examines new research exploring if machine learning and social media can provide insights into possible depression during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This article examines recent research that uncovers the neuromechanics of how and where within the brain recognition of an 'oh shoot' moment occurs.

This article examines new research exploring where super complex calculations are performed in our brains. It is not just NASA that can do this kind of math.

This article examines neural research investigating whether knowledge is innate or if we learn from experiences.

This article explores research looking to uncover the neural mechanics of memory formation, memory sequencing, and how the brain uses memories in the future.

This article explores new research attempting to understand the neurons responsible for social interactions and competition amongst group members.

This article examines recent research investigating whether people can distinguish between real and AI-generated faces. Researchers also explore the trustworthiness of both kinds of images.

This article examines recent research exploring the possible mechanisms used to enable us to see an image-stabilized world.

This article examines research exploring the perception and trustworthiness of smart speakers and what impact branding has on that perception.

This article examines research that attempts to uncover the neural mechanisms involved in making simple and complex decisions.

This article examines current research on how chronic stress can impact our biological clock and any measures people can take to slow or reverse those effects.

This article examines new research that attempts to understand how our brains adapt and transform when we find ourselves 'in the zone' (also known as a flow state).

This article examines recent research that investigates how we perceive ourselves and explores these 'mental selfies' in terms of our perception and the perception of others.

In this article, we look at new research exploring if Artificial Intelligence can help to explain how the brain predicts and processes language.

This article examines new research focused on how the brain decides which sensory inputs to consider and which ones to ignore when coordinating the movement of your limbs (like your hands).

This article examines new research that investigates ways to describe the complex processes involved in complex thought. Is the activity random? Is there some way to describe it? Read on to learn more…

In this article, we look at research that explores how our brains store and recall word pairings. Are they all stored the same way? How does the brain piece multiple word pairings together to form a sentence? Find out how!

This article looks at new research that explores the journey our memories take as we sleep.

In this article, we explore new research that explores the role that social dynamics play in our desire to help (or not) out another person. Check it out! https://bit.ly/3sC5Ryw #Neuroscience #Psychology #Empathy #SocialDynamics #BystanderEffect

This article examines research exploring the resilience of a workforce and variables that may influence their commitment to the organization.

This article examines recent research exploring a new approach to using brain-computer interfaces & AI to help people communicate.

In this article, we look at VR games as a clinical alternative to opioid pain killers. Technology for good?

In this article, we explore research that explores why people's desire to learn diminishes with age and if there is anything to reverse this decline.

In this latest article, we examine new research that explores if human-like robots can provide positive responses along with persuading a person to do certain tasks.

https://studioquickfacts.com/robots-touch-and-persuasive-power-8fac7e94c957

This article looks at new research that has identified how our brain rapidly adapts when making simple and complex decisions.

In this article, we look at new research exploring how humans perceive intelligent agents & robots when asked to make moral decisions.

In this article, we examine recent research exploring if taking notes digitally is more efficient than the old pen & paper method. It also explores if information recall for digital notes is the same, better, or worse.

In this article, we look at new research that has identified what could be the first documented driver of social media stickiness, specifically around "likes". The results will likely surprise you.

This article looks at a study where researchers investigate if artificial intelligence could assist when people hit a creative wall.

A well know rule of interface design is people prefer recognition over recall. This article looks at research exploring a new technique to enhance detail recollection when memory recall is required.

In this article, we look at research that explores what actually when our mind wanders.

In this article, we look at people's desire to eat healthier foods and what role (if any) the brain & memory play in that process.

Smartphones can tell us a lot about a person. From the apps, they have, to the searches they conduct, to the locations they visit. Is it possible that our smartphones can also show how various brain regions communicate with one another? That is what the research in these articles explores.

In this article, we look at research that explores the mechanics of how we recall memories. Since the brain is consistent amongst humans, does that mean we all recall memories in the same way? That's the question this article (and research) explore.

This article looks at recent research where artificial intelligence and machine learning can accurately predict engagement with a digital experience.

In this article, we look at new research from UC Davis that explores empathy's social dynamics. While empathy is a popular topic today, should we always show empathy to someone else? The results may surprise you.

In this article, we examine new research that explores if individual characteristics, such as personality traits, can predict someone’s adherence to government actions, like stay-at-home orders.

This article examines if a computer can read the thoughts of a person. New research that combines AI, deep learning, and brain-computer interface technologies suggests that machines may not be too far off from achieving this.

In this article, we examine the science behind our ability to make educated guesses. Even if you’re taking a shot in the dark, your brain is connecting the dots.

We’re living through uncertain times. From COVID to economic stability, civil unrest, and the like, people have many elements to fear right now. In this article, we look at research that explores the transformation of fear into anxiety.

In this article, we look at new research that explores how sighted and blind participants use sound to navigate in the dark. The brain region used by both participants groups may surprise you…

In this article, we some new findings that suggest some areas where a computer may not be able to replicate brain functionality.

In this article, we look at how our brains filter distractions as we try to accomplish a task. We all know we do this daily. These researchers have found where in the brain, this occurs.

In this article, we look at new research that examines brain activity as we scan paragraphs of text for essential information. The findings could influence brain-information interfaces, brand messaging, and (maybe) even political campaigns.

A new Studio Quick Fact is out. This week, we look at research out of Carnegie Mellon University that explores how our brains store procedural knowledge. Do we pick bits and pieces from similar tasks? Or is each task encoded on its own? Check it out!

In this article, we look at new research that explores if the feeling of longing (to see loved ones, for example) is purely emotional or if our brain also plays a role.

With many now working from home, how much do you and others rely on the online status of others? In our latest article, we examine new research that explores not only our awareness of tools sharing our status but the behaviors exhibited when the status of someone is known.

In this article, we look at new research that explores how our brain takes previous experiences and chunks those experiences into segments of information to be used in new situations. Back in the late ’00s, one of the reasons slide-to-unlock was so effective on early versions of the iPhone was due to the fact that many had experience in locking/unlocking a lavatory on an airplane. The research in this article sheds light on how exactly our brains chunk, process, and use that information.

In this article, we look at new research that explores if buying material goods or experiences results in more happiness. Some think money doesn't buy you happiness. Perhaps they're just spending their money wrong.

In this article, we look at research exploring what impacts certain psychological biases may have on the sensation of dèjá vu.

In this article, we look at research that explores how closely the visual and auditory systems work together. As your eyes move back and forth, do your ears do the same? The answer may surprise you.

Far too often, people see AI as replacing the role humans have in certain situations. In this article, we look at new AI efforts being used to assist, not replace, doctors in identifying brain tumors in patience. Where AI has been proven to be impressive in some situations, what happens when you combine a trained neuropathologist's diagnosis with an AI-based diagnosis? That's what this article explores.

We've all been there. We say something to someone else that we wish we had kept to ourselves. In this article, we examine new research that examines what role (if any) alertness has on individuals when they disclose information they are normally careful about. Perhaps this will come in handy this holiday season.

In this article, we examine research into the potential impact on perceived value when customers and employees can see one another (also known as transparency). Customers may not want to see how the proverbial sausage is made but is it worth letting them look behind the curtain? That's what this research explores.

In this article, we look at research that explores optimal learning for neural networks (then animal & human learning). Does some degree of error optimize learning? This is what we explore.

In this article, we look at new research that explores the different ways in which we learn knowledge and how that knowledge is stored within circuits and networks in the brain.

In this article, we look at a recent study that examines if AI that is trained to detect to detect emotions via facial expressions can identify those who are being deceptive.

In this article, we look at research out of UC Berkeley that explores the psychology and neuroscience of collecting information. Their findings may surprise you...

In this article, we take a look at research that investigates if being rude or terce toward virtual assistants (such as Siri, Alexa, or Google) translates into rudeness toward other people. The findings may surprise you. They may also make you reconsider your approach when Siri, Alexa, or Google don't understand you...

In this article, we examine the notion of mental blind spots. We review research that shows how these blind spots may influence (consciously or not) a person's perception of the world around them.

In this article, we look at new research that explores what influence false information (such as rumors or fake news) has on our ability to form and recall memories.

In this article, we look at new research from Oxford, that examines how our brains make broad assumptions, based on past experiences, and how we use this approach to discover solutions to new problems.

In this article, we look at research that has allowed robots to sample ~20% of the whole scene and then have the robot, using machine learning reconstruct the other 80%.

In this article, we look at new research that suggests a new element to consider when examining body language and social perception. Going beyond if someone has their arms crossed, this article examines if that perceptions of dominance or passivity may be influenced by how someone tilts their head.

In this article, we look at new research that has been able to pinpoint where value decisions are made and stored. Had a good experience at a local coffee shop? This research believes they have identified where the positive experience and its subsequent value are stored.

In this article, we examine our brain's ability to ignore distractions. We take a look at a paper out of MIT that has pinpointed the brain circuit responsible for filtering out distractions

In this article, we look at new research that examines how our brains prepare to execute complex actions in the milliseconds before we act. Ever wonder why when we make a mistake in a sequence of tasks, we tend to be more error-prone afterward? These researchers believe they have an explanation.

In this article, we explore the notion of using neural nanorobots to connect our brains to the cloud. Wish you could have instant access to all the world's knowledge? It may not be as far fetched as you think...

In this article, we examine the subconscious tendency to default to the easiest option when making a decision while suffering mental fatigue. We look at this through the lens of judges making decisions to parole prison inmates. The judge's rulings, like most decisions, were not arbitrary. That said, they also weren't based solely on the merits of the case. PS... this phenomenon is not limited to judges...

In this article, we examine how being in a bad mood may have an impact on our ability to trust when we are in a poor mood.

In this article, we look at research that suggests our breath may do more than simply deliver oxygen. The study found that participants were able to more rapidly identify fear on people's faces as well as recall more objects when they were breathing in than out. It even examined if there were any differences between nasal and oral breathing (hint... there was). Check it out!

This article takes a look at new research that suggests our brains may reveal the choices we are going to make before we make them (11 seconds before in some cases). Check it out!

In this article, we examine the efforts of some roboticists to adapt Game Theory in an attempt to allow robots and humans to work together safely and efficiently.

This article examines new research exploring how our brains react when we touch different objects with different characteristics. It turns out, touch is not one dimensional...

In this article, we look at research that explores what impact certain stress-related hormones can have on our overall cognitive function.

In this article, we look at new research that enabled paralyzed participants, all who were already in the BrainGate Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) clinical trial, to perform standard tasks on an off-the-shelf tablet controlled solely by their thoughts.

This article examines research out of Drexel University that focuses on cognitive loads of pilots while completing a set of memorization tasks-half completed the tasks while flying an airplane while the other half completed the tasks in a flight simulator. The research team monitored activity in the prefrontal cortex of participants and found differences in the error rates and cognitive loads between the two study conditions.

This article examines a decade's worth of research focused on heave media task switching (aka multitasking) and memory.

New Studio Quick Fact is out. This one explores the neuroscience behind implicit bias and ho one research team has developed a non0invasive method to reduce that bias in participants.

In this article, we look at new research out of MIT that described a new machine learning model that can identify people who are depressed based on the words they used in both audio and written form.

In this, the 98th article in the series, we look at new research recently published in the journal Neuron, that examines how our focus and attention has the potential to shift 4 times every second.

In this edition of the Quick Facts Series, we examine new research out of the University of Wisconson-Madison that used video games, made exclusively for experimentation purposes, to teach children between the ages of 8 and 18 skills like empathy. The research reports that participants in the experimental group showed higher signs of empathy than that of the control group.

In this article, we look at new efforts by researchers to make a novel computer interface controlled solely by your brain.

This article examines the Zeigarnik Effect and what happens to our ability to recall details about a task when we are interrupted. This classic research is used in enterainment, marketing, technology, and many elements of our lives.

Can your method of thinking evolve throughout the day? Are there certain times where you should focus on analytical thought and save essential pondering for later? According to new research out of the University of Bristol in the UK, the answer is yes.

This article in the Quick Facts series looks at new research out of Ohio State University that looks at caffeine's surprising effects on teamwork, the perception of other team members, and a team member's ability to remain on topic during discussion.

We tend to speak at rates of 120–200 words per minute. It is incredible to consider how the brain accomplishes this, especially with words that have multiple meanings. A sentence describing a flying bat has one meaning while a bat hitting a ball has another. How can the brain do this?

Informed decisions require an evaluation of the merits of a perspective and the ability to adapt to new information. Is it possible our established beliefs on social, political, or personal-view topics may factor into our making those informed decisions? This article explores new research that probes into this question.

Our capacity to identify letter shapes is a cornerstone of our ability to read. How many letters can you think of that have more than one form? A lower case g is a good example. There is the opentail version...

There are many different ways we can identify gender of the people we encounter on any given day. From hair to shape to clothing, there are a lot of clues. Gender recognition for AI systems is not a new concept (they rely on static images and compare, amongst others, fixed facial features). Think your smile could reveal your gender?...

In your car, you approach an intersection when the light goes from green to yellow. Do you floor it and hope you beat the light? Or, do you slam on the brakes? Ever wonder why in these kinds of circumstances, it’s almost impossible to reverse the said action...

At what age do we begin to apply logic? The long-held belief has been logical reasoning is coupled with our ability to talk. A new study in the journal Science suggests an alternative theory.

What is real and what is not? Does our perception of the world genuinely portray our surroundings? Or, do our brains pick and choose what we notice? This is the basis of what a team from Cornell University sought to investigate.

Have you ever stopped to consider what factors influence our ability to compromise? We’ve all been in situations where emotions, stubbornness, or other circumstances have resulted in one party holding steadfast to their position. We know computers can play chess or do reasonably well at other zero-sum games. But what about compromising? Can a computer do it better than a human? A research team from BYU and MIT sought to figure this out.

If you track a tennis ball moving in front of you, your eyes move in a smooth pattern. If you try to trace the same route without a moving ball, your eyes move in little jumps. How can we account for this difference?

Conversational interfaces, specifically chatbots, are becoming more ubiquitous. Where they are quite good at answering basic questions, they still struggle when asked unusual or follow up questions. A research team out of Carnegie Mellon University have created a conversational agent who, according to a recent paper, is hard to stump.

Like most sports, baseball has seen a data revolution in the past decade. This data has served as a critical tool for scouts who scour baseball diamonds for players who may be able to turn their passion for a sport into a profession. A new study from Duke Health suggests that a player’s performance on tasks in front of a large, touchscreen computer can predict their ability to get on base.

Let’s be honest… we suck at estimating how long something will take. Regardless of if we know ahead of time (prospectively) or if we are asked to guess after the fact (retrospectively), we are lousy at estimating time durations. One element that is known to influence the perception of time is cognitive load (aka how easy/hard a task is).

Imagine you look at a physical scene that has a single, central object and has other, irrelevant items on the periphery. Now imagine you view that same scene as a photograph. Would you value that central object the same? Would it make a difference if the object was placed out of your reach? These were just some of the questions a team of researchers from the University of Nevada at Reno sought to explore.

Going to the grocery store on an empty stomach is (generally) a bad idea. Shopping while hungry results in the purchase of unwanted -and many times unhealthy- items. But shopping with hunger pains is only one factor in enticing people to purchase junk food. The location of the unhealthy items also influences buying behavior. What if grocery stores offered healthier snack options near the checkout counters?

How is it that some individuals can remain focused while others quickly get distracted? There are two networks within the brain believed to be involved with this question; the cognitive control network and the salience network. Researchers from the University of Miami explored the individual difference in use of these networks when challenged with self-control in the face of distraction.

In soccer, if a team allows the ball to roll into the goal they’re defending, the referee must determine if an “own goal” should be assigned. The referee does this by assessing what would have happened if the defender did not touch the ball. This assessment is known as counterfactual simulation, and it is not limited to soccer. In a paper from the journal Psychological Science, a team of researchers has been able to determine how our brains simulate alternative outcomes before assigning… Show more

In soccer, if a team allows the ball to roll into the goal they’re defending, the referee must determine if an “own goal” should be assigned. The referee does this by assessing what would have happened if the defender did not touch the ball. This assessment is known as counterfactual simulation, and it is not limited to soccer. In a paper from the journal Psychological Science, a team of researchers has been able to determine how our brains simulate alternative outcomes before assigning causality or blame. Show less

The advantages of exercise go well beyond the fitness benefits: increase in mood, reduction in disease susceptibility, improved quality of sleep, to name a few. Does exercise influence vision? A paper in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience provides new insights.

Our eyes can see millions of distinct colors. Modern, industrial languages (like English or Spanish) use 10–12 categories to describe colors we see. This number can drop to 3 when we examine pre-industrialized languages. Do societies with three color categories use fewer words to describe the colors they see? This is what a team of cognitive scientists from MIT sought to explore.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to manifest itself in more aspects of mainstream society. So what happens to our perceptions when these computer-based agents make mistakes? A study published in Frontiers in Robotics and AI, provide new insights into this question.

In our everyday lives, our senses are bombarded with stimuli. From sight to sound to touch, and even scent. When our olfactory systems sense a smell, what factors contribute to our perception of an odor being positive or negative? New research suggests that the emotional expression of others around you may play a role.

Stress is a part of everyday life. When we are stressed, our sympathetic nervous system responds by releasing hormones that assist us when confronting a challenge. A link between stress and cognition has been confirmed for years. More recent research has sought to investigate the relationship (if any) between stress and decision making. Does our decision making ability change when we’re in a stressful situation?

When you see another person, your brain utilizes the fusiform facial area (FFA) to identify the face faster than anything else. Therefore, you can recognize faces before you can recall a person’s name (see the Sept. 29, 2014 Quick Fact article. Link to archive at bottom of page). When viewing a face from the side (say 45 degrees), specific neurons fire within the FFA to recognize a face even at an angle. Researchers from MIT’s Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines (CBMM) have reported a… Show more

When you see another person, your brain utilizes the fusiform facial area (FFA) to identify the face faster than anything else. Therefore, you can recognize faces before you can recall a person’s name (see the Sept. 29, 2014 Quick Fact article. Link to archive at bottom of page). When viewing a face from the side (say 45 degrees), specific neurons fire within the FFA to recognize a face even at an angle. Researchers from MIT’s Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines (CBMM) have reported a computational model they have been building to recognize faces has spontaneously learned to identify faces at an angle. Show less

Conversing with others is a natural human characteristic & a pillar of a social society. As we talk, we sometimes alter our vocal delivery to convey emphasis or even emotion. Research out of the University of Stirling in Scotland has found an interesting situation where the pitch of our voice changes based on the perceived factors of whom we’re talking to.

The human ability to write has evolved from our ability to speak. Based on this, it’s natural to assume a person who can’t write a grammatically correct sentence would also suffer when speaking. Research out of Johns Hopkins University, however, suggests something different.

As AI and machine learning continue to expand, so does our daily interaction with these agents. Where work is being done to make agents such as Alexa, Siri, or even chatbots more sentient, physical robots lag behind. Much is due to the complexity required to have a full robot act, move, and talk like a human. But does a robot have to seemingly achieve all of those characteristics for us to perceive humanness? The answer may surprise you…

Chatbots are all the rage these days. Where some companies are looking to improve the conversational aspect of next-gen Bots, others are exploring if other attributes can aid in their human-like perception. Can we, for example, make a Bot seem more human based on the aesthetics of the intelligent agent? Could it be as simple as what typeface is used in the UI?

In today’s mobile-centric world, people are using their phones for more and more tasks, even when they are not on the go. This has resulted in an increase of data being stored and accessed on mobile devices. The only thing standing in-between a user (or thief) in many cases is the password used to unlock the phone. Be it a numeric PIN, a fingerprint, or a grid-based connect the dots pattern, is this data safe? Researchers from Rutgers University say no.

People are inherently overconfident in their abilities (known as illusory bias). Be it in intellect, driving ability, or job performance, we all think we are in the top tier. This bias also applies regarding hiring employees. Existing research has shown that unstructured interviews fail to predict candidate success when more objective data, like standardized test scores, are available. New research suggests interviews may also result in overconfidence of hiring managers when predicting… Show more

People are inherently overconfident in their abilities (known as illusory bias). Be it in intellect, driving ability, or job performance, we all think we are in the top tier. This bias also applies regarding hiring employees. Existing research has shown that unstructured interviews fail to predict candidate success when more objective data, like standardized test scores, are available. New research suggests interviews may also result in overconfidence of hiring managers when predicting successful job performance of candidates. Show less

When people tell lies, the natural response from the brain is to have your conscience inform you that lying is wrong. This feeling is not pleasurable and so, the theory is that you will not lie again. But what happens with repeated acts of dishonesty? Does the feeling triggered by our consciences become ignored? A paper from the University College London and Duke University provide insight.

When we go on vacation or visit a friend our brain creates a short-term memory. The long-held belief was that after some time, this short-term memory was consolidated and transferred to another part of the brain for long-term storage. New research out of MIT has the potential to change the foundational understanding of how memories are formed and where they are stored.

In the US, people average 6.8 hours of sleep a night. Medical studies have shown a link between individuals deprived of sleep and an increase in health problems. A new paper out of the University of Arizona finds people have difficulty in reading a person’s emotional state from their facial expressions when they’re tired.

It’s amazing how our perceptions change when we see something
in slow motion. A football hit at normal speed may appear innocuous. When seeing the same play in slow motion, people instantly bemoan the hit and conclude it was dirty and premeditated. A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences attempts to explain why.

One morning in Pittsburgh, a man smeared lemon juice on his face and proceeded to rob two banks in broad daylight. His logic was that because lemon juice can be used as invisible ink, by using the juice on his face, he would become invisible to the security cameras. After being arrested, the suspect was shocked to see his face on the security tapes. You may ask, ‘How –for even a minute- did the suspect think that this was going to work’? The simple answer is known as the Dunning-Kruger effect.

Companies spend over $100 billion annually on internet security. Despite the investment, well-reported hacks (ransomware crippling hospitals and personal emails leaked online) remain commonplace. Is it because of weak passwords? No. According to a growing body of research, the reason has to do with the well- known flaws of the machine that sits in-between our ears…

Our brains can do some amazing things. Ever wonder how you can concentrate on a single conversation at a noisy party despite massive amounts of background noise (other conversations, music, traffic, etc.)? Research out of UC San Francisco has uncovered the mechanism in which the brain can seamlessly compensate for the noise and fill in unclear parts of the conversation.

Advancements in communication technology have allowed society to connect worldwide via the use of mobile phones. So, when you enter a meeting, showing others you are putting your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’ and placing it face down on the table should signal your complete focus and attention, right? Study findings suggest not.

There’s a long-held belief that we all see the world through unique lenses. While some accept that things like our perspective is shaped by experience, by culture, or by age, a new study looks at what influence gender may have on our unique view.

In this edition of the Quick Facts Series, we examine the importance of rituals, and the subsequent happiness they can bring, within the context of the holiday season.

The holidays are approaching, and for many, it means we will be spending time with our extended families. Where some may look forward to this, others go home with the goal of merely surviving. Trying to find mechanisms such as fixating on a phone or watching sports in an attempt to avoid conflict with relatives is a common approach. New research suggests that engaging in any form of family ritual can save a holiday.

Art can connect with us on deep and emotional levels. New research has begun to uncover the brain wave activity exhibited while viewing art. For the first time, this one of a kind study was done in the real- world and not a laboratory.

For many, clowns scare the hell out of us. Believe it or not, there is research that attempts to explain why.

The attributes of today’s clown -the painted face, wig, and oversized clothing- are closely associated with the iconic circus clown. The evil association became intensified with 70’s era serial killer, John Wayne Gacy who used to attend children’s birthdays dressed as a clown. Since then, Hollywood
has solidified the connection. To understand the association, we must first… Show more

For many, clowns scare the hell out of us. Believe it or not, there is research that attempts to explain why.

The attributes of today’s clown -the painted face, wig, and oversized clothing- are closely associated with the iconic circus clown. The evil association became intensified with 70’s era serial killer, John Wayne Gacy who used to attend children’s birthdays dressed as a clown. Since then, Hollywood
has solidified the connection. To understand the association, we must first examine what leads us to conclude that something is creepy. Show less

The election season is in its final stretch. Where objective factors such as a candidate’s stance on an issue or party affiliation may influence how we vote, there is also an onslaught of ads, of editorials, and mailers that also are trying to sway us. Where most of the influences above are well known and mostly accepted, arbitrary factors -such as the location of your polling place- may also play a role.

Ever noticed how very few people ever leave a comedy club in a bad mood? In most cases, the audience, collectively, is in a pretty good mood before the first act takes the stage. This is due, in large part, to the contagious characteristics of emotion.

Some of us read faster than others. But, when we first learned to read, we all went through the same process. We painstakingly sounded out each letter comprising the word. Over time, D-A-D simply became dad as we recognize words on sight.

Take a look at the image on the left… Is it possible that one Starbucks coffee sleeve is larger than the other? Perhaps they’ve made one for a venti sized drink? Not so much.

You’re in Vegas and while waiting for a show, you decide to sit down at the slot machine and play for a while. The entire setup of the casino, the lights, the sounds, the free drinks, and even the smells are there to reduce your inhibitions and increase your anticipation of hitting the jackpot.

Could your great ancestors have been capable of comprehending the notion of a smartphone? How about Einstein’s theory of relativity? Our understanding of the world around us expands at a much faster rate than the physical evolution of our brain. How then does the brain absorb new, high level concepts?

When we make decisions, be it to buy a car, tap on a button, or read an article, is that decision made first by our conscious or unconscious mind? Is it possible that our minds are, literally, rewriting history? Researchers from Yale have some new insight…

In June of 2016, it was reported that non-grocery online sales had surpassed in-store purchases for the first time. The convenience of shopping online is hard to argue. But, how does this shift in how consumers get their products influence the perceived value of those items? Is there any shift at all?

Have you ever noticed that we gesture when we talk? Despite doing this at a largely subconscious or unconscious level, it was widely believed that we use gesture while talking to convey information. Where there is some truth to that idea, the latest theory is that by gesturing, it helps you think better.

You are out to dinner and decide to order a bottle of merlot to pair with your entree. Asking the sommelier for recommendations, he presents you with three options: a low priced bottle, a medium priced bottle, and a high end bottle. Which one are you likely to choose?

We use a variety of techniques to remember and retain information in short-term memory. Writing the information down, repeating it over-and-over, and using a mnemonic are just a few examples.

First impressions are important. Sometimes these impressions are made as the result of a snap judgment. So how long does it take for an end user of a digital experience to form a first impression? About 50 milliseconds (0.05 seconds).

In the United States, 28% of the eligible population are organ donors. Juxtapose that to the 99.9% of the French population that are potential donors. Is this because the French are just nicer? Is it a societal trait? Not so much…

Spring is here, and with it, Major League Baseball begins it’s annual trek towards the World Series. This time of year affords us the opportunity to ask a question… Do baseball players with higher batting averages see the baseball differently? At its core, this is a question about human perception. Obviously, the physical size of the ball is consistent. But does that mean the perceived size is also a constant?

We know that our brains use pattern recognition to identify letters in different font families. In a new study from Johns Hopkins University, researchers have found that experience and expertise play a role in a person’s ability to identify letters from a foreign alphabet.

March is here and with it, the insanity of college basketball. There will be buzzer beaters. Players will make incredible shots. Some may even get a hot hand. But, does a player’s chances of making their next shot have anything to do with the success or failure of their last attempt?

The above passage is an excerpt from a larger paragraph by cognitive scientist, Robert Solso. This paragraph illustrates how people can be easily distracted in many different scenarios. But, people can also exhibit hyper focus and filter out all other stimuli. This ability is also known as selective attention.

We all know that talk is cheap and that behaviors are harder to change. This is a central premise behind differentiating most user experience research and testing methodologies from traditional market research. A new study from Duke University sheds some additional light as to why.

Stories carry a tremendous amount of solemnity. They capture people’s attention and aid in the brain’s ability to process information. Stories can even lead to the brain to imply causality.

When you hear someone is color-blind, what do you think? The term is really a misnomer. Being blind to all color is extremely rare. Rather, most people suffer a deficiency in seeing certain colors, not the entire spectrum.

In the early 90’s, a Ph.D. candidate at Stanford University assigned participants into one of two groups; Tappers and Listeners. Tappers were given 25 well-known songs (like “Happy Birthday”). They were asked to pick a song from the list and tap it out. Participants in the Listener group were tasked with guessing the song based on nothing more than the rhythm they heard.

Black Friday has come and gone. No doubt there were deals to be had. Have you ever wondered why so many people go bat-shit crazy for the deals and products offered? One of the main drivers behind this phenomenon is scarcity.

Stick your tongue out at a newborn (even 1 month old) and they will stick their tongue out too. It’s a fun party trick but what this highlights is how the brain is hard-wired, even at an early age, to imitate. Modern research has shed some light into how imitative behavior occurs.

Our brains take up about 2% of our body mass but consume 20% of our caloric intake. Using that 20%, the brain works to provide the most useful meaning of the visual world around us. The belief is that objects must be consciously recognized in order for perceived meaning to occur.

Have you ever wondered how information is moved from working, short term, into long term memory? You can either repeat the information over and over, or try and associate the data with an existing long-term memory.

You do a Google search… you enter an initial set of terms and although the results don’t exactly give you what you want, you get enough information to continue your search. Before you know it, 45 minutes have passed. How is that possible?

You’ve probably heard that recognition is better than recall when retrieving information. But, have you ever wondered why? You’re about to find out…

The kind of music we listen to may provide insight into how our brains process information. In a recent study from the University of Cambridge, researchers found a link between music preferences and how people think.

As we have discussed before, in times of uncertainty people look to the actions of others to assist in their own decision making (remember crossing against traffic on the 16th St. Mall?). With that premise in hand it is a logical extension that reviews and testimonials can help consumers in overcoming the feeling of uncertainty when purchasing items.

You’re sitting in a meeting and one of the attendees appears uncertain about the topic of conversation. Suddenly, this attendee latches on to some small detail from the larger conversation and won’t let it go. They argue. They defend their position. What’s going on?

You are shopping for a house. Your realtor shows you several that fit into your price range. Two of them seem nice and are very similar. The third house is less impressive and is priced higher than the other two.

You are running in a race. You catch and pass the person in second place. Which place are you now in? More than likely, you said 1st place.

Your vision is split into 2 general types: central and peripheral. Central is used for looking at objects directly and obtaining detail about those objects. Peripheral is used to make up everything else and is useful for things like motion detection but lacks details. So which one is better?

You are walking down the 16th Street Mall (or any other street in an urban environment). One of the traffic signals which controls the flow of foot and bus traffic along the Mall is red. A person steps out, looks for oncoming traffic, then walks.
 As soon as this one person crosses, others start to follow. Ever wonder why this phenomenon occurs? Hint, it is not because people are stupid… Well, not all of them…

Our ability to speak and write seem so interrelated that it is hard to imagine the areas of the brain governing speech and writing are different. But, guess what… they are. Someone who can’t write a grammatically correct sentence may be able to say it aloud flawlessly.

Look to the left… This graphic seems rather unimpressive, right? Two lines with directional fins applied to them. You see the lines and your brain knows the lines are different. Thus, we accept the belief that, surely, the lines are of varying lengths.

Our brains rely on previous experiences to help navigate the world. The more people know about the world, the better they can navigate it. Yet, the more people know about the world (or a particular subject) the harder it becomes for them to communicate it to those lacking that knowledge.

Patrons of a coffee shop are given a frequent buyer card. Each time they purchase coffee, their card gets stamped. The patron is rewarded with a free cup of coffee when they fill their card with stamps. Simple enough, right?

The brain is influenced by many different stimuli. Some, we are aware of. Much of it we are not. This principal is known as impression formation and falls under the concept of priming.

As you may recall, our brain receives millions of sensory inputs signals in any given second (the current estimate is 11,000,000). We are incapable of handling that volume and so we rely on shortcuts to decipher which inputs to pay attention to.

Look at the figure on the right. Which one of these pennies is the real one? Play along… Try to figure it out before reading on.

The brain can only consciously process a small amount of information at any given time. Displaying too much information, or information that is not relevant to the task, can result in cognitive dissonance and thus, overwhelm the user.

es it is a popular notion… but the replicated research is clear… People are incapable of multitasking. The brain can perform one task at a time. You can talk. You can read. You cannot do both.

Ask anyone here in the US how many choices they want, and they will respond with some derivative of “a lot” or “as many as possible”. We associate control via the number of choices available to us. This belief can sometimes be misleading.

Building on the concept that memories are reconstructed every time we recall them, do you think eyewitness testimony is reliable? Is it possible to alter the way a memory is recalled by nothing more than the words you use? Conjure a guess & then read on…

In this article, we look at how the brain is able to recgonize letters in a wide variety of fonts and how the font used may impact what you decide to order when you go out to dinner. Think your brain has committed every font to memory? Or, is it doing something else? Find out now...

Think back to a particular event that happened at least 5 years ago (a wedding, a family gathering, a dinner, etc.). Remember the people, and where you were. Maybe you can remember details like the weather or what you were wearing.

Our experiences with objects, and their affordances, provide a roadmap of how new objects with that affordance should work. This expectation is known as a mental model.

Your brain takes in ~ 11 million pieces of information every second. Only 40 of them make it into your conscious brain. Based on experiences, the brain makes guesses as to what you should pay attention to and see.

Our brain processes a lot of information (roughly 11,000,000 signal inputs) every second. The brain uses past experiences in creating shortcuts of what it expects to see. Most of the time, these shortcuts work. But sometimes, they cause miscalculation.

Ever wonder why we may be able to remember a face before a name? Our brains contain an area called the fusiform face area (FFA) that does nothing but facial recognition.

The series, UX for #togs, aims to better educate photographers on user experience concepts.

This edition of the series focused on the brain's use of shortcuts in interacting with the web and specific websites. The basis of the brain's use of shortcuts served as the foundation to highlight the cognitive dissonance when controls are inconsistently implemented.

The series, UX for #togs, aims to better educate photographers on user experience concepts.

This edition of the series the difference between opinion based and research based research methodologies. The article suggests that while survey based research has its place in user experience, a photographer’s time and effort would be better spent observing a user interact with their site as the end user’s behavior speaks much louder than their opinions.

The series, UX for #togs, aims to better educate photographers on user experience concepts.

This edition of the series focused on the importance of using proper labels when enticing the user to act. This article also focused on the importance of the user being able to properly anticipate what will happen when they click on a label.

The series, UX for #togs, aims to better educate photographers on user experience concepts.

This edition of the series focused on the cues and indicators that end users utilize in their attempt to discover new interfaces and functionality.

The series, UX for #togs, aims to better educate photographers on user experience concepts.

This edition of the series focused on the psychological factors surrounding number of choices and how photographers can structure their web content for better, more efficient results.

The series, UX for #togs, aims to better educate photographers on user experience concepts.

This inaugural edition of the series focused on the importance of user research. In this article, I focus on explaining why a photographer's website is there for the end users and not the particular photographer. Further, I discuss several different tactics for low-cost usability testing and research that can help photographers in better understanding their users and tweaking their website… Show more

The series, UX for #togs, aims to better educate photographers on user experience concepts.

This inaugural edition of the series focused on the importance of user research. In this article, I focus on explaining why a photographer's website is there for the end users and not the particular photographer. Further, I discuss several different tactics for low-cost usability testing and research that can help photographers in better understanding their users and tweaking their website accordingly. Show less