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The Scrooge Effect: Research Shows Poor Are More Compassionate

In the spirit of the season, and after watching an EXCELLENT performance of the Christmas Carol, I thought I'd share this article about the effects of a person's economic status on their generosity and helpfulness. Moral of the story? Whether poor or rich, let's not hear any excuses for being miserly this Christmas season. If you can't give of your money, give of your time and other resources.

View the article:  http://uspoverty.change.org/blog/view/the_scrooge_effect_research_shows_poor_are_more_compassionate

C. S. Lewis on the concept of group polarization

Group Polarization 

“the enhancement of a group’s prevailing inclinations through discussion within the group.” 

“Alone among unsympathetic companions, I hold certain views and standards timidly, half ashamed to avow them and half doubtful if they can after all be right. Put me back among my friends and in half an hour – in ten minutes – these same views and standards become once again indisputable. The opinion of this little circle, while I am in it, outweighs that of a thousand outsiders: as friendship strengthens, it will do this even when my friends are far away. For we all wish to be judged by our peers, by the men ‘after our own heart.’ Only they really know our mind and only they judge it by standards we fully acknowledge. Theirs is the praise we really covet and the blame we dread.” – C. S. Lewis

Do Opposites Attract?

Check out this article as a follow up to the conversation we had in a recent class on whether or not people are attracted to their opposites:  http://youarenotsosmart.com/2010/06/17/opposites/

The Experiment

I just noticed this recent movie, The Experiment, and found it interesting that it is based on the Stanford Prison Experiment. This is NOT a recommendation for the movie, I've not seen it and it's rated R. It is worth noting that the things learned about in psychology emerge in all areas of culture and life.

Dopamine and Risky Behavior

Psychology in the News

These links tell the story of the 33 miners in Chile, who survived being stuck underground for over two months. They are currently in the process of being rescued. What will be the psychological effects of this extended period underground? http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/39604019#39604019
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11513035