Perception and Performance

How we experience the world and turn thoughts into actions

Beauty
Grooming Bugs: Why Others' Imperfections Distract Us

David A. Rosenbaum Ph.D. on October 26, 2018

Seeing others with crumbs in their beards, mascara on their cheeks, or mustard on their face can be so distracting that it's hard to pay attention to what they're saying. Why?

Seeing others with crumbs in their beards, mascara on their cheeks, or mustard on their face can be so distracting that it's hard to pay attention to what they're saying. Why?

Play
Letting Go

David A. Rosenbaum Ph.D. on June 9, 2018

Toddlers forget to let go of objects, clutching them needlessly and impeding their performance. Deep lessons can be learned from this understudied behavior.

Toddlers forget to let go of objects, clutching them needlessly and impeding their performance. Deep lessons can be learned from this understudied behavior.

Education
Hypotheses Versus Predictions

David A. Rosenbaum Ph.D. on January 12, 2018

The terms "hypotheses" and "predictions" are often used interchangeably. They are very different things, however. Distinguishing between them can lead to better science.

The terms "hypotheses" and "predictions" are often used interchangeably. They are very different things, however. Distinguishing between them can lead to better science.

Memory
Losing It

David A. Rosenbaum Ph.D. on December 6, 2017

Although everyone loses things, no one has studied how we search for lost items. This would be a wonderful research topic that could shed light on memory more generally.

Although everyone loses things, no one has studied how we search for lost items. This would be a wonderful research topic that could shed light on memory more generally.

Play
Musical Fingerings

David A. Rosenbaum Ph.D. on November 23, 2017

A wonderful research opportunity awaits those interested in modeling the way violinists and other musicians choose the fingerings they use.

A wonderful research opportunity awaits those interested in modeling the way violinists and other musicians choose the fingerings they use.

Genetics
Your Clothes Have Extended Your Life

David A. Rosenbaum Ph.D. on October 3, 2017

Don't think genes, lots of sleep, and healthy eating are the only keys to living longer. Those shoes of yours and other parts of your wardrobe may be important as well.

Don't think genes, lots of sleep, and healthy eating are the only keys to living longer. Those shoes of yours and other parts of your wardrobe may be important as well.

Neuroscience
Inner Tennis

David A. Rosenbaum Ph.D. on August 10, 2017

A student in Intro Psych suggested a way to help completely paralyzed patients answer yes-no questions by asking them to play inner tennis or mentally walk through their homes.

A student in Intro Psych suggested a way to help completely paralyzed patients answer yes-no questions by asking them to play inner tennis or mentally walk through their homes.

Neuroscience
Gentle Touch

David A. Rosenbaum Ph.D. on July 27, 2017

Feather-light touch might help stroke victims and others with brain damage regain movement capabilities.

Feather-light touch might help stroke victims and others with brain damage regain movement capabilities.

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Magazine
September 2026 magazine cover
September 2026
The Power of Enough

We’re all holding onto something we’re sure we can’t give up on, but research shows that letting go can boost our happiness a lot more than we might think.

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

Self Assessments
Quizzes