Making Sense of Chaos

Sexual Abuse

Are Bonobos the Answer to Ending Gender Violence?

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M. on September 27, 2022

Gender violence is a pervasive problem in humans and the animal kingdom. Yet, our closest evolutionary cousin, the bonobo, has escaped this fate. Do they hold the key?

Gender violence is a pervasive problem in humans and the animal kingdom. Yet, our closest evolutionary cousin, the bonobo, has escaped this fate. Do they hold the key?

Anxiety

Is Anxiety Legally a Workplace Disability?

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M. on April 28, 2022

An employee was recently awarded $450,000 after his employer threw him a birthday party against his wishes, and he suffered a panic attack. Is anxiety really a workplace disability?

An employee was recently awarded $450,000 after his employer threw him a birthday party against his wishes, and he suffered a panic attack. Is anxiety really a workplace disability?

Adolescence

Stop Lying to Juveniles During Police Interrogations

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M. on January 28, 2022

Deceptive police interrogation tactics—despite being lawful—can result in false confessions and wrongful convictions, particularly among juveniles.

Deceptive police interrogation tactics—despite being lawful—can result in false confessions and wrongful convictions, particularly among juveniles.

Media

Abolish the Jury?

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M. on November 29, 2021

As our polarized and media-driven society continues to evolve, we might question our vaunted jury system and instead consider "bench trials" like most other developed countries.

As our polarized and media-driven society continues to evolve, we might question our vaunted jury system and instead consider "bench trials" like most other developed countries.

Motivation

3 Crucial Discoveries About Purpose in Life

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M. on September 1, 2021

We all strive to find meaning and cultivate a sense of purpose. Important findings may show us the way.

We all strive to find meaning and cultivate a sense of purpose. Important findings may show us the way.

Adolescence

How Adolescent Neuroscience Has Transformed the Law

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M. on August 18, 2021

Neuroscience has given us new insights into the adolescent brain. The legal system has taken notice, relying on neuroscience to outlaw the death penalty for adolescents.

Neuroscience has given us new insights into the adolescent brain. The legal system has taken notice, relying on neuroscience to outlaw the death penalty for adolescents.

Sexual Abuse

Andrew Cuomo and the Myth of the Evil Perpetrator

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M. on August 11, 2021

The "Myth of the Evil Perpetrator" suggests that we are psychologically biased to think of sexual abusers as archetypes of evil. The insidious myth is both inaccurate and harmful.

The "Myth of the Evil Perpetrator" suggests that we are psychologically biased to think of sexual abusers as archetypes of evil. The insidious myth is both inaccurate and harmful.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Purpose in Life Increases Likelihood of COVID-19 Vaccination

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M. on July 9, 2021

As vaccine rates plummet, researchers are asking, "Why?" A new study finds that having a sense of purpose in life is directly related to COVID-19 vaccination willingness.

As vaccine rates plummet, researchers are asking, "Why?" A new study finds that having a sense of purpose in life is directly related to COVID-19 vaccination willingness.

Trust

Air Pollution Reduces Trust In Others

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M. on July 8, 2021

We all know that air pollution is harmful to our health. But can it affect our psychology? A new study shows that pollution reduces our level of trust in others.

We all know that air pollution is harmful to our health. But can it affect our psychology? A new study shows that pollution reduces our level of trust in others.

Education

Why Kids Still Need to Learn Algebra

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M. on June 9, 2021

Is math really necessary? Some districts have started to do away with advanced math courses, but a new study suggests math is vital for developing brains.

Is math really necessary? Some districts have started to do away with advanced math courses, but a new study suggests math is vital for developing brains.

Genetics

New DNA Evidence Suggests Executed Man Was Innocent

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M. on May 8, 2021

Despite maintaining his innocence, Ledell Lee was executed in 2017 for a brutal murder. New DNA evidence from the murder weapon revealed the genetic material of a different man.

Despite maintaining his innocence, Ledell Lee was executed in 2017 for a brutal murder. New DNA evidence from the murder weapon revealed the genetic material of a different man.

Memory

"I Saw It with My Own Eyes." But Did You Really?

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M. on April 28, 2021

Studies continue to show that eyewitness testimony can be completely unreliable. How do we fix it?

Studies continue to show that eyewitness testimony can be completely unreliable. How do we fix it?

Law and Crime

What Are the Charges Derek Chauvin Is Facing?

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M. on April 5, 2021

Many don't understand the specific charges Chauvin is facing. Surprisingly, psychology has influenced which charges have been brought against him.

Many don't understand the specific charges Chauvin is facing. Surprisingly, psychology has influenced which charges have been brought against him.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Why Watching Holiday Gatherers Fall Ill Might Feel Good

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M. on December 27, 2020

No one is proud of it, but schadenfreude is a normal human emotion that some might be experiencing this holiday season as "social gatherers" fall ill with COVID-19.

No one is proud of it, but schadenfreude is a normal human emotion that some might be experiencing this holiday season as "social gatherers" fall ill with COVID-19.

Domestic Violence

NFL Losses Are Associated with Increased Domestic Violence

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M. on September 27, 2020

Your favorite football team losing can have surprising (and insidious) consequences.

Your favorite football team losing can have surprising (and insidious) consequences.

Resilience

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Was a Dandelion

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M. on September 21, 2020

Ruth Bader Ginsburg embodied resilience. Psychologists would call her a dandelion.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg embodied resilience. Psychologists would call her a dandelion.

Priming

When Is It Reasonable to Kill?

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M. on September 3, 2020

What is "reasonable" often depends on the pre-existing biases of the perceiver. This presents a legal dilemma for claims for self-defense.

What is "reasonable" often depends on the pre-existing biases of the perceiver. This presents a legal dilemma for claims for self-defense.

Domestic Violence

The Bizarre Legal Loopholes Surrounding Spousal Rape

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M. on May 15, 2020

With rising domestic violence during COVID-19, archaic spousal rape laws should be critically examined.

With rising domestic violence during COVID-19, archaic spousal rape laws should be critically examined.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Why the Increase in Domestic Violence During COVID-19?

Maclen Stanley JD, Ed.M. on May 9, 2020

We've heard COVID-19 has caused upticks in domestic violence. But why?

We've heard COVID-19 has caused upticks in domestic violence. But why?

Sixty percent of entering community college students are required to take remedial coursework prior to engaging in college-level study. Within this remedial group, the majority of students are dropping out or struggling to stay afloat. Greater attention must be paid towards the causes of these discouraging outcomes.