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Trust Games

The science of trust, cooperation, and civility

Self-Control
What Self-Control Really Means, and Why It Matters

Tony Evans Ph.D. on January 1, 2024

Psychologists used to think successful self-control was all about having strong willpower. But it turns out that putting yourself in the right situations may be more important.

Psychologists used to think successful self-control was all about having strong willpower. But it turns out that putting yourself in the right situations may be more important.

Happiness
Can You Trust Research on How to Become Happier?

Tony Evans Ph.D. on December 19, 2023

Researchers have conducted hundreds of experiments to find strategies people can use to become happier. A new article finds there are major limitations in most of this research.

Researchers have conducted hundreds of experiments to find strategies people can use to become happier. A new article finds there are major limitations in most of this research.

Bias
Why Leaders Find It So Hard to Accept Remote Work

Tony Evans Ph.D. on December 12, 2023

Why do so many companies want remote workers to return to the office? Three cognitive biases may be shaping how leaders think about the future of remote work.

Why do so many companies want remote workers to return to the office? Three cognitive biases may be shaping how leaders think about the future of remote work.

Relationships
How an Unhappy Partner Can Bring You Down

Tony Evans Ph.D. on November 6, 2023

New research suggests that being more (or less) happy than your romantic partner gradually influences how satisfied you feel with your life.

New research suggests that being more (or less) happy than your romantic partner gradually influences how satisfied you feel with your life.

First Impressions
How to Make a Good First Impression

Tony Evans Ph.D. on October 30, 2023

Have you ever wondered what behaviors predict liking in social interactions? A new study reveals the social behaviors that predict positive first impressions.

Have you ever wondered what behaviors predict liking in social interactions? A new study reveals the social behaviors that predict positive first impressions.

Career
Most Experiments Don’t Work, and That’s OK

Tony Evans Ph.D. on December 12, 2021

A new study finds that most experimental attempts to change people's behavior don't succeed. Behavioral scientists need to be realistic about what does (and doesn't work).

A new study finds that most experimental attempts to change people's behavior don't succeed. Behavioral scientists need to be realistic about what does (and doesn't work).

Infidelity
There Really Is Honor Among Thieves

Tony Evans Ph.D. on November 23, 2021

In the past week, people have launched coordinated attacks on high-end stores. These thefts reveal how cooperation and trust can lead to large-scale corruption.

In the past week, people have launched coordinated attacks on high-end stores. These thefts reveal how cooperation and trust can lead to large-scale corruption.

Happiness
How Bad Endings Ruin Great Experiences

Tony Evans Ph.D. on November 16, 2021

How do you judge if an experience is good or bad? Research suggests that we remember experiences based on their endings and their most intense moments.

How do you judge if an experience is good or bad? Research suggests that we remember experiences based on their endings and their most intense moments.

Relationships
Why Do Algorithms Make Mistakes?

Tony Evans Ph.D. on November 9, 2021

Can an algorithm predict how much your home is worth or who you'll fall in love with? It depends on the psychology of the people who built it.

Can an algorithm predict how much your home is worth or who you'll fall in love with? It depends on the psychology of the people who built it.

Mindfulness
When Workplace Mindfulness Training Is Worse Than Nothing

Tony Evans Ph.D. on November 1, 2021

Many organizations implement mindfulness training to reduce burnout and improve well-being. They may find that it triggers anger and cynicism instead. This is why.

Many organizations implement mindfulness training to reduce burnout and improve well-being. They may find that it triggers anger and cynicism instead. This is why.

Bias
You Should (Probably) Just Quit Your Job Already

Tony Evans Ph.D. on October 27, 2021

Workers around the world are debating whether to change their careers. Research suggests you shouldn't settle too quickly for the status quo.

Workers around the world are debating whether to change their careers. Research suggests you shouldn't settle too quickly for the status quo.

Media
The Unpredictable Popularity of "Squid Game"

Tony Evans Ph.D. on October 25, 2021

"Squid Game" is the most popular show in the world, and psychologists want to explain why. But research suggests that popularity is often based on unpredictable social processes.

"Squid Game" is the most popular show in the world, and psychologists want to explain why. But research suggests that popularity is often based on unpredictable social processes.

Cognition
When Do Online Discussions Become Heated?

Tony Evans Ph.D. on October 19, 2021

Recent research suggests that online discussions become more emotional when authors use confident (vs. doubtful) language.

Recent research suggests that online discussions become more emotional when authors use confident (vs. doubtful) language.

Decision-Making
Should Leaders Make Quick Decisions?

Tony Evans Ph.D. on October 10, 2021

People judge leaders based on whether they make decisions quickly versus slowly. Speed makes good decisions seem even better, and unpopular decisions even worse.

People judge leaders based on whether they make decisions quickly versus slowly. Speed makes good decisions seem even better, and unpopular decisions even worse.