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Season 2017
Psychology research can be tricky, because brains are complicated. But does that mean it isn't a science?
Psychology research can be tricky, because brains are complicated. But does that mean it isn't a science?
Internet fandoms can get... sort of intense, but is an unwavering devotion to your Hogwarts house an unhealthy fixation or a way to reach out to others and engage in the world around you?
Internet fandoms can get... sort of intense, but is an unwavering devotion to your Hogwarts house an unhealthy fixation or a way to reach out to others and engage in the world around you?
You can read a book while watching SciShow on your laptop, so you might think you are multitasking, but can you really multitask?
You can read a book while watching SciShow on your laptop, so you might think you are multitasking, but can you really multitask?
2017x4
Your Most Vivid Memories Aren't As Accurate As You Think
Episode overview
We all have memories that seem like they happened yesterday, but can you really trust them?
We all have memories that seem like they happened yesterday, but can you really trust them?
Have you ever read Harry Potter and wished that you were a student at Hogwarts, studying magic with Harry, Ron, and Hermione? Well, your wish might have partially come true, without you knowing it.
Have you ever read Harry Potter and wished that you were a student at Hogwarts, studying magic with Harry, Ron, and Hermione? Well, your wish might have partially come true, without you knowing it.
Have you ever forgotten why you walked into a room? Turns out it's just your brain doing its job.
Have you ever forgotten why you walked into a room? Turns out it's just your brain doing its job.
You might think of meditation as just a New Age trend, but it may actually benefit your brain!
You might think of meditation as just a New Age trend, but it may actually benefit your brain!
Have you ever seen a kid talk to her friends in English, but to her mom in Spanish? Learning a second language can be really hard for adults, so how do bilingual babies learn two at the same time?
Have you ever seen a kid talk to her friends in English, but to her mom in Spanish? Learning a second language can be really hard for adults, so how do bilingual babies learn two at the same time?
Do you remember what you did a week before today? And are you sure you actually did that instead of dreaming it up? Our memory can be tricked easily. But how? Hank explains how your memories can be tricked.
Do you remember what you did a week before today? And are you sure you actually did that instead of dreaming it up? Our memory can be tricked easily. But how? Hank explains how your memories can be tricked.
The Internet has a lot to say about how color affects our mood and behavior, but it's not as cut and dry as it may sound.
The Internet has a lot to say about how color affects our mood and behavior, but it's not as cut and dry as it may sound.
Like a scene from a horror film, you are in a elevator, you push the close button —Hurry! The murderer is coming at you! However, again you push the close button, the door won’t close!
.. show full overview
Like a scene from a horror film, you are in a elevator, you push the close button —Hurry! The murderer is coming at you! However, again you push the close button, the door won’t close! Psych! The button is fake. But why is that most of the elevators still have those buttons?
Tricking your brain isn't just fun—it can be therapeutic, too!
Tricking your brain isn't just fun—it can be therapeutic, too!
Freudian slips are actually an artifact of how your brain processes language!
Freudian slips are actually an artifact of how your brain processes language!
Have you ever doubted yourself and felt like you don't deserve your job or that college acceptance letter? Well, you're not alone!
Have you ever doubted yourself and felt like you don't deserve your job or that college acceptance letter? Well, you're not alone!
You might have heard that playing violent video games makes people more aggressive, but is it true or is it just a myth?
You might have heard that playing violent video games makes people more aggressive, but is it true or is it just a myth?
Like most quizzes on the internet, personality tests aren't what you would call "reliable."
Like most quizzes on the internet, personality tests aren't what you would call "reliable."
People say Einstein had an IQ of 160, and you need an IQ score higher than 130 to join Mensa. But does IQ really measure how intelligent you are?
People say Einstein had an IQ of 160, and you need an IQ score higher than 130 to join Mensa. But does IQ really measure how intelligent you are?
It turns out stereotypes can affect you—whether you believe in them or not.
It turns out stereotypes can affect you—whether you believe in them or not.
The people around you have a lot more to do with how you think than you might realize.
The people around you have a lot more to do with how you think than you might realize.
You may have experienced this before: When you repeat the same word over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over, the words suddenly sound foreign and lose all meaning, but why?
You may have experienced this before: When you repeat the same word over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over, the words suddenly sound foreign and lose all meaning, but why?
I bet you’ve heard about the birth order cliche: The oldest child is responsible, the middle one is a rebel, and the youngest is spoiled. This stereotype might apply to you and your siblings, but is it universal?
I bet you’ve heard about the birth order cliche: The oldest child is responsible, the middle one is a rebel, and the youngest is spoiled. This stereotype might apply to you and your siblings, but is it universal?
As technology becomes more complex, it's easier for things to go wrong.
As technology becomes more complex, it's easier for things to go wrong.
You do way more housework than your slob of a roommate, right? Well, turns out your roommate might think you're the slob. Our brains are just wired that way.
You do way more housework than your slob of a roommate, right? Well, turns out your roommate might think you're the slob. Our brains are just wired that way.
2017x24
Tasting Colors and Seeing Time: Superhuman Skills with Synesthesia
Episode overview
Synesthesia allows people to hear color or taste numbers—and maybe even remember some things better than the average person.
Synesthesia allows people to hear color or taste numbers—and maybe even remember some things better than the average person.
Whether people are gambling, haggling, or just doing their best to save lives out there, losing is tough to deal with.
Whether people are gambling, haggling, or just doing their best to save lives out there, losing is tough to deal with.
Dreaming is very weird, but you might be able to learn something from your dreams.
Dreaming is very weird, but you might be able to learn something from your dreams.
Peaceful protests can help people have their voices heard, but sometimes a protest becomes a more aggressive riot. How does that happen?
Peaceful protests can help people have their voices heard, but sometimes a protest becomes a more aggressive riot. How does that happen?
Have you ever gone along with a group even though you had your doubts? You're not alone: Research shows unanimous decisions aren't always actually unanimous.
Have you ever gone along with a group even though you had your doubts? You're not alone: Research shows unanimous decisions aren't always actually unanimous.
The aggressive urges you might have when you see adorable things are probably related to the way you handle strong emotions.
The aggressive urges you might have when you see adorable things are probably related to the way you handle strong emotions.
Whether it's a car in the background of Braveheart or the inconsistent cliff in Jurassic Park, movies tend to have mistakes. Why don't we notice them more often?
Whether it's a car in the background of Braveheart or the inconsistent cliff in Jurassic Park, movies tend to have mistakes. Why don't we notice them more often?
The tremendous complexity of the human brain makes it difficult for psychologists to pin down exactly how and why things go wrong, so how do we define and diagnose disorders?
The tremendous complexity of the human brain makes it difficult for psychologists to pin down exactly how and why things go wrong, so how do we define and diagnose disorders?
Don't you think it would be nice if you had a photographic memory? But is it actually a thing?
Don't you think it would be nice if you had a photographic memory? But is it actually a thing?
You might have faked being sick to avoid doing something unpleasant. However, for people with the factitious disorder, faking illness isn’t quite so straightforward.
You might have faked being sick to avoid doing something unpleasant. However, for people with the factitious disorder, faking illness isn’t quite so straightforward.
Dr. Harry Harlow's rhesus monkey experiments in the 1950s contributed a great deal to psychologists' understanding of attachment theory. Unfortunately, his later experiments also contributed a great deal to the need for ethics regulations.
Dr. Harry Harlow's rhesus monkey experiments in the 1950s contributed a great deal to psychologists' understanding of attachment theory. Unfortunately, his later experiments also contributed a great deal to the need for ethics regulations.
2017x35
Can You Use Electricity to Supercharge Your Brain? | tDCS
Episode overview
tDCS devices claim to stimulate your brain and have psychological benefits, but do they really work?
tDCS devices claim to stimulate your brain and have psychological benefits, but do they really work?
Earlier this year, fidget spinners claimed their place as the hot new fad of 2017. Some people, however, claim that fidget toys could help people manage symptoms of anxiety and ADHD.
Earlier this year, fidget spinners claimed their place as the hot new fad of 2017. Some people, however, claim that fidget toys could help people manage symptoms of anxiety and ADHD.
2017x37
Why Colleges Used to Take Nude Photos of Their Students
Episode overview
The first week of school can be uncomfortable enough as you adjust to a new situation, but it was probably even worse back when schools made you strip down for a nude photo shoot—even if they thought they had a good reason for it.
The first week of school can be uncomfortable enough as you adjust to a new situation, but it was probably even worse back when schools made you strip down for a nude photo shoot—even if they thought they had a good reason for it.
You decide to do something dangerous or stupid, and somewhere in your mind you know it’s risky, but you do it anyway. But why?
You decide to do something dangerous or stupid, and somewhere in your mind you know it’s risky, but you do it anyway. But why?
Psychologists consider nostalgia a complex emotion and it may have both benefits and risks.
Psychologists consider nostalgia a complex emotion and it may have both benefits and risks.
Much like the biological processes in the rest of your body, a lot of your brain's psychological processes happen without you thinking directly about them—or even being aware of them.
Much like the biological processes in the rest of your body, a lot of your brain's psychological processes happen without you thinking directly about them—or even being aware of them.
Lots of funny and iconic memes arrive suddenly and overwhelmingly in our internet life, but what's the science behind why those memes go viral?
Lots of funny and iconic memes arrive suddenly and overwhelmingly in our internet life, but what's the science behind why those memes go viral?
Fear is strong negative feeling and a good way for our brains to keep us out of danger, so why do some people seek it out by watching horror movies?
Fear is strong negative feeling and a good way for our brains to keep us out of danger, so why do some people seek it out by watching horror movies?
At some point, you may have noticed a poster or photo with eyes on it hanging somewhere public. What you probably didn't notice is the effect that picture has on your brain.
At some point, you may have noticed a poster or photo with eyes on it hanging somewhere public. What you probably didn't notice is the effect that picture has on your brain.
It's always a little weird when a couple looks like they could be related, but Brit explains the science behind why it's not totally creepy! It involves percentages and kind of uncomfortable rating systems!
It's always a little weird when a couple looks like they could be related, but Brit explains the science behind why it's not totally creepy! It involves percentages and kind of uncomfortable rating systems!
Your love for Rihanna or Tom Hardy may be unrequited, but that doesn't necessarily make it unhealthy.
Your love for Rihanna or Tom Hardy may be unrequited, but that doesn't necessarily make it unhealthy.
The neurons in your brain don't just fire off randomly—they fire in various patterns called neural oscillations. But what do these different brainwaves mean?
The neurons in your brain don't just fire off randomly—they fire in various patterns called neural oscillations. But what do these different brainwaves mean?
2017x47
Toxoplasmosis: How Parasites in Your Cat Can Infect Your Brain
Episode overview
"Crazy cat lady" stereotypes or not, there could be some actual psychological risks from hanging around so many kitties… if just one of them is harboring the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
"Crazy cat lady" stereotypes or not, there could be some actual psychological risks from hanging around so many kitties… if just one of them is harboring the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
If you've ever been chastised for erupting into profanity after stubbing your toe in the middle of the night, science has your back on this one.
If you've ever been chastised for erupting into profanity after stubbing your toe in the middle of the night, science has your back on this one.
Do you mumble to yourself while looking for your keys, or pump yourself up in the morning with a bathroom mirror pep talk? It may actually be helpful—but only if you do it right.
Do you mumble to yourself while looking for your keys, or pump yourself up in the morning with a bathroom mirror pep talk? It may actually be helpful—but only if you do it right.
Your body language can communicate a lot of information to other people, but can striking a power pose revolutionize your life?
Your body language can communicate a lot of information to other people, but can striking a power pose revolutionize your life?
Kings, scientists, and musicians alike have all been known to stutter. It can make speaking in front of crowds even more nerve-wracking, but is anxiety the root cause? Spoiler: probably not.
Kings, scientists, and musicians alike have all been known to stutter. It can make speaking in front of crowds even more nerve-wracking, but is anxiety the root cause? Spoiler: probably not.
How do you define adulthood? It's a difficult question because that delicate brain of yours stays squishy well after you start paying your own rent.
How do you define adulthood? It's a difficult question because that delicate brain of yours stays squishy well after you start paying your own rent.
Why do people often buy the same brands over and over again?
Why do people often buy the same brands over and over again?
2017x54
4 Common Misconceptions About Antidepressants, Debunked
Episode overview
Mental health is incredibly complex, due in no small part to the complicated interactions of chemicals and neuroreceptors in our brains. Here are four common misconceptions about antidepressants, and what the science behind them actually shows.
Mental health is incredibly complex, due in no small part to the complicated interactions of chemicals and neuroreceptors in our brains. Here are four common misconceptions about antidepressants, and what the science behind them actually shows.
The term "gaslighting" has gained popularity in recent years, but what exactly does it entail?
The term "gaslighting" has gained popularity in recent years, but what exactly does it entail?
2017x56
This Illusion Might Not Work Depending on Where You're From
Episode overview
Optical illusions are a fun way to play with the way your brain interprets what your eyes see, but if some of them don't work for you, it might be because of where you live.
Optical illusions are a fun way to play with the way your brain interprets what your eyes see, but if some of them don't work for you, it might be because of where you live.
If you can recognize when you're being persuaded, it's a lot easier to make sure your opinions are actually your own.
If you can recognize when you're being persuaded, it's a lot easier to make sure your opinions are actually your own.
A sigh is often taken to be a sign of sadness, but it can indicate a lot more than that—or a lot less.
A sigh is often taken to be a sign of sadness, but it can indicate a lot more than that—or a lot less.
When you’re sick you just want to be left alone. Sometimes that’s because you physically can’t move, but other times, it might have more to do with the way your immune system is connected to your brain.
When you’re sick you just want to be left alone. Sometimes that’s because you physically can’t move, but other times, it might have more to do with the way your immune system is connected to your brain.
That baby is staring at you, and you don't know why. Something in your teeth? Did you accidentally leave a tag on your clothes? Don't worry—that baby probably just likes your face.
That baby is staring at you, and you don't know why. Something in your teeth? Did you accidentally leave a tag on your clothes? Don't worry—that baby probably just likes your face.
It can be frustrating to get stuck in line somewhere with no end to your wait in sight, but what about waiting is it that gets under our skin?
It can be frustrating to get stuck in line somewhere with no end to your wait in sight, but what about waiting is it that gets under our skin?
Stockholm Syndrome has become a pop culture cliché, but the truth behind it is a little more complicated than TV might have you believe.
Stockholm Syndrome has become a pop culture cliché, but the truth behind it is a little more complicated than TV might have you believe.
You might have stumbled onto those videos of people cutting sand for 10 minutes or of machines doing a repetitive task and felt an odd sense of satisfaction while watching them. Today, we look at the psychology behind those "oddly satisfying" videos.
You might have stumbled onto those videos of people cutting sand for 10 minutes or of machines doing a repetitive task and felt an odd sense of satisfaction while watching them. Today, we look at the psychology behind those "oddly satisfying" videos.
You may not be able to unlock all the secrets of the universe while you snooze, but it's still possible to reinforce what you've already learned.
You may not be able to unlock all the secrets of the universe while you snooze, but it's still possible to reinforce what you've already learned.
SciShow Psych tackles the science behind what might be one of the most hated words in the English language: moist.
SciShow Psych tackles the science behind what might be one of the most hated words in the English language: moist.
It's said that the quickest way to kill a joke is to explain it, but scientists are still interested in finding out just what tickles our brains and makes us find something funny.
It's said that the quickest way to kill a joke is to explain it, but scientists are still interested in finding out just what tickles our brains and makes us find something funny.
The light at the end of the tunnel, the peacefulness, your life flashing before your eyes—it's all been documented thoroughly in pop culture. What usually gets left out, though, are the
.. show full overview
The light at the end of the tunnel, the peacefulness, your life flashing before your eyes—it's all been documented thoroughly in pop culture. What usually gets left out, though, are the potential scientific explanations for what happens to your brain during a brush with death.
Psychology studies can be really skewed by the WEIRD population (western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic). Why does this hidden bias exist?
Psychology studies can be really skewed by the WEIRD population (western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic). Why does this hidden bias exist?
Lots of kids are afraid of the dark, and some adults still can't stand sleeping in the complete darkness. But why are we afraid of it?
Lots of kids are afraid of the dark, and some adults still can't stand sleeping in the complete darkness. But why are we afraid of it?
Trauma doesn't just affect the person who originally experienced it. It can also be passed down to their children and grandchildren.
Trauma doesn't just affect the person who originally experienced it. It can also be passed down to their children and grandchildren.
A number of studies show that luck is more of a self-fulfilling prophecy, and you can actually create it yourself.
A number of studies show that luck is more of a self-fulfilling prophecy, and you can actually create it yourself.
What would happen if you realized that you've died, but your friends and family don't seem to notice? Well, they might point out that no, you're not dead—you just might have Cotard's Syndrome.
What would happen if you realized that you've died, but your friends and family don't seem to notice? Well, they might point out that no, you're not dead—you just might have Cotard's Syndrome.
2017x73
How Restaurants Use Psychology to Make You Spend More Money
Episode overview
Restaurants have a whole bucket-load of tricks up their sleeves to get you to spend more money.
Restaurants have a whole bucket-load of tricks up their sleeves to get you to spend more money.
When you see someone yawn, you’re probably pretty likely to follow suit. But what makes it so contagious?
When you see someone yawn, you’re probably pretty likely to follow suit. But what makes it so contagious?
Researchers have found that the expression of gratitude gives positive effects on our both mental and physical health.
Researchers have found that the expression of gratitude gives positive effects on our both mental and physical health.
You may love or hate pumpkin spice, but it is undeniably an American cultural phenomenon. Luckily, science has some insight as to why this might be.
You may love or hate pumpkin spice, but it is undeniably an American cultural phenomenon. Luckily, science has some insight as to why this might be.
While many researchers are focusing on finding a difference in brains of people with dyslexia, some new research suggests it might not just be in their brains, but in their eyes.
While many researchers are focusing on finding a difference in brains of people with dyslexia, some new research suggests it might not just be in their brains, but in their eyes.
One of the internet's favorite pastimes is arguing, but very few of those arguments ever actually go anywhere. It can be frustrating to watch, but scientists have some ideas on why things play out the way they do.
One of the internet's favorite pastimes is arguing, but very few of those arguments ever actually go anywhere. It can be frustrating to watch, but scientists have some ideas on why things play out the way they do.
Staring into the mirror in a dark room can play some nasty tricks on your brain. Like many illusions, this can tell us about how your brain processes images.
Staring into the mirror in a dark room can play some nasty tricks on your brain. Like many illusions, this can tell us about how your brain processes images.
2017x80
Do Psychologists Still Use Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs?
Episode overview
You've probably seen the pyramidal diagram of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. It's straightforward enough but, it might be a bit too subjective to really measure human needs.
You've probably seen the pyramidal diagram of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. It's straightforward enough but, it might be a bit too subjective to really measure human needs.
We can’t avoid having stress, and that’s not always a bad thing. But if you are dealing with a lot of stress every day, it might cause you physical harm.
We can’t avoid having stress, and that’s not always a bad thing. But if you are dealing with a lot of stress every day, it might cause you physical harm.
2017x82
Why Do We Get the Winter Blues? | Seasonal Affective Disorder
Episode overview
Humans may not hibernate, exactly, but that doesn't necessarily mean we're totally unaffected by the changing of seasons.
Humans may not hibernate, exactly, but that doesn't necessarily mean we're totally unaffected by the changing of seasons.
You might have heard about repressed memories on TV, but those memories aren’t always what they seem.
*Content warning: description of school shooting
You might have heard about repressed memories on TV, but those memories aren’t always what they seem.
*Content warning: description of school shooting
Interpersonal relationships are important to humans, but there are also times when these relationships can be unhealthy.
Interpersonal relationships are important to humans, but there are also times when these relationships can be unhealthy.
You may have noticed that checkout lines often have whozits and whatzits galore, but your opinion of them mostly depends on how a couple different regions of your brain work.
You may have noticed that checkout lines often have whozits and whatzits galore, but your opinion of them mostly depends on how a couple different regions of your brain work.
2017x86
Season finale
Misattribution: How We Mistake Fear for Love
Episode overview
Some emotions can feel so similar that you might mix them up and pick the wrong emotion.
Some emotions can feel so similar that you might mix them up and pick the wrong emotion.
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