Personality and Social Interaction

Psychology in everyday life.

by Nicholas Herrera, Ph.D.

Helping Behavior and Subway Musicians

On January 12, 2007, 1,097 people walked past the performance of a violin virtuoso, Joshua Bell, at a Washington D.C. metro station. Only seven people stopped to listen, and only one person recognized him. Most people hurried past without even looking at him. Social psychological studies of helping behavior and the reciprocity principle may offer the best explanations for why people ignored him. Read More

Attributional Biases and Violent Soccer Play

During a recent soccer match, Elizabeth Lambert behaved badly. She kicked and punched other players and even pulled another woman's pony tail, causing her to fall to the ground. Most people, including Lambert, agree that the video makes her look like a monster. Lambert, however, attributes her behavior to the situation, while others attribute her actions to her personality. Who's right? Read More

Cognitive Dissonance, the Need to Belong, and Mass Murder

Although there are many causes of aggression, two social psychological concepts, the need to belong and cognitive dissonance, may be especially important in explaining Nidal Hassan's behavior. Read More

The Chicago Cubs and the Curse of a Stereotype (Part 2)

No explanation for the Chicago Cubs' history of failure has been more appealing than the "curse of the billy goat." Supernatural cures, however, have not helped them to win a World Series. "Stereotype threat" is a social psychological concept that might help to explain why the Cubs continue to choke under pressure. Read More