Checkpoints

The science of video gaming.

Christopher J. Ferguson Ph.D.

Mutual Abuse and the Depp/Heard Trial

Claims by a therapist that Johnny Depp and Amber Heard engaged in "mutual abuse" drew complaints from advocates. Does research support the claim?

Does Free Speech Protect Criticism or Open Inquiry?

Free speech is critical to a functioning university campus. But do we value some people's free speech over others?

Is 2022 the Year of Censorship?

Is censorship on the rise in the US? And are there any "good guys" among the political right or left?

What to Do About School Threats

Increasingly, states such as Florida are imposing harsh penalties for making threats in schools. Sometimes, this is warranted. But is a legal response right in every case?

The Problem with Cancelling Halloween

Some schools are canceling Halloween in the name of "equity." But will this really bring people together, or will it be an "equity" of resentment and unfun?

Can Dave Chappelle's Comedy Lead to Violence?

Some activists are concerned that Dave Chappelle's new special may provoke violence toward the trans community. Does the evidence support these fears?

Do Diversity Statements Help Diversity?

Requiring diversity statements from applicants for university faculty jobs is becoming more common. But do they help students?

Video Games and Masculinity

A new report argues that sexualization and violence in video games are harming players—particularly boys. But is the evidence on their side?

His Wokelency: How Biden Addresses Political Sectarianism Could Define His Legacy

In his early presidency, Joe Biden has leaned toward progressive causes and jargon. Could this be hurting the country and his own legacy?

The Negativity Bias of Current Worldviews

These days, everyone seems angry and offended all the time. Part of this is because dominant worldviews on both the right and the left emphasize anger. Perhaps there's a better way?

The Moral Panic Over the Six Days in Fallujah Game

A revived video game is once again courting controversy. But are critics right to claim the game may cause behavioral or attitudinal harms?

The Future of Conservativism in Academia

Academia increasingly has a problem with conformity and an aversion to free speech. Could increasing data-based conservatives rebalance things?

Power Poses, Self-Esteem and Himmicanes

We are always on the verge of a spectacular and easily applied breakthrough in applying human psychology. But why do these so often prove to be castles made of sand?

A Review of "Irreversible Damage" by Abigail Shrier

A new book considers whether an increase in youth identifying as trans may be due to social contagion. But are its claims rooted in good science?

The Bad Retraction

A new article on mentorship in the sciences was recently retracted by the journal Nature Communications. But was this warranted or are we entering an age of science censorship?

Burn This Book?

When should a controversial book be pulled from the shelves, and who gets to decide?

Anti-Media Advocacy Groups and Ideological Biases

Some anti-media pressure groups warn parents about the dangers of screens. But perhaps we should warn parents they're getting bad advice from these groups.

Gaming and the Alt-Right

Are gaming communities hooking kids into far-right movements? Or is this just a return to the "corrupt your kid" panics of yesteryear?

"13 Reasons Why" and Teen Suicide

Did the popular Netflix show "13 Reasons Why" spark an increase in youth suicides? The answer may say more about societal morality than it does about television.

Media Myths, More Common Beliefs

Part II: Everybody knows fiction can have a profound effect on real life.

Examining Media Myths

Everybody knows fiction can have a profound effect on real life. Too bad nobody told the data to agree.

What's the Probability that the Next President Will Have Dementia?

The presumed nominees for the two major parties are the oldest in US history. What's the likelihood that our next president will have at least mild cognitive impairment?

No, Orcs Aren't Racist

Is it possible to be racist toward a race that doesn't exist?

Did the Bobo Doll Studies Teach Us About Aggression?

For decades, Bandura's "Bobo Doll" studies have been a cornerstone of our understanding of aggression. But what if that understanding is all wrong?

Why Cognitive Biases Make It Hard to Get History Straight

Some historians have criticized the New York Times 1619 Project, a narrative on slavery in the U.S., as factually challenged. Why is it so hard to get the facts of history straight?

Little Women’s Man Problem

Supporters of the film claim men aren't seeing it. But maybe that's OK.

The Enduring Legacy of Mr. Rogers

In terms of production values, Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood is kind of terrible. Yet most of us can't help finding the man himself to be a hero for our dark times.

Can Ghosts Exist?

Just in time for Halloween: could ghosts be real?

How Forbidden Love Benefited Opera

Did a hopeless love interest vault a composer to superstardom—yet doom a king to madness?

Peter the Not-So-Great Father

On Father's Day, let's celebrate good dads, by considering the case of one of the worst dads ever.

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