Homo Consumericus

Are prayers a means for achieving communion with the divine or are they often meant to address very earthly concerns? A recent study linking income to the frequency and content of prayers sheds light on this issue. Read More

Which types of pornographic scenes do men prefer? Here are three possibilities: (1) two or more women having sex with one man; (2) two or more men having sex with one woman; (3) two or more women having sex with two or more men. Make your prediction prior to reading on! Read More

Does the social status of a given man affect the perception that people will have of his height? In other words, can the same man be viewed as taller or shorter depending on whether he is described as possessing high or low status? Read on for an oldie but goodie study that tackled this exact issue. Read More

Numerous studies have found that men’s attractiveness ratings of a woman increase if she is associated with the color red. In a provocative new study, researchers tested the red effect when applied to women’s genitalia. Is redder better? To all the lovers out there, Happy Valentine’s Day! Read More

A compelling aspect of evolutionary psychology is its ability to explain endless phenomena in our daily lives from the most mundane to the most profound. Doug Kenrick’s recently released paperback “Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life” strikes the perfect balance in explaining deep evolutionary principles in an engaging and highly entertaining style. Read More

Is a facial scar equally attractive on men and women? Is it viewed as more attractive when judging the desirability of a short-term or long-term partner? Read More

Should parents offer their children gender-neutral toys to avoid the promulgation of “sexist gender stereotypes”? Or might it be the case that toy preferences are a manifestation of universal sex-specific biological forces, and as such are perfectly expected? Toy manufacturers seem to be keenly aware of the correct answer. Read More

How likely is it that your child is involved in sexting? A recent study offers an answer to this important question. Read More

Of all things to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day, reserve a moment of gratitude for the free and liberal society that you live in. Most people around the world are not quite so fortunate. Read More

To argue that evolutionary psychology is tantamount to biological determinism demonstrates a profound lack of understanding of biology in general and evolutionary theory in particular. Read More

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) traps individuals in excruciatingly debilitating loops of thoughts (e.g., ruminative thinking) and behaviors (e.g., incessant hand washing). Despite its dysfunctional nature, OCD appears to be rooted in the misfiring of otherwise adaptive processes. Read More

Why do so many social scientists and lay people alike believe that we are born with empty minds that are subsequently infinitely malleable by “arbitrary” socialization forces? The answer lies in the endless quest for hope. Read More

Can men be taught to reject pornography and develop a preference for positive erotica? Yes, but only if you believe the human mind is a blank slate amenable to infinite malleability via socialization and cultural learning. Read More

Last night, Stephen Colbert joked about the perception that Jesus might be gay. At the recent Venice Film Festival, the jury granted an award to a film that depicted a woman masturbating with a crucifix. These are astonishingly offensive insults to Catholics. Where are the murderous riots? Read More