http://slacktivist.typepad.com/slacktivist/2010/03/lying-your-way-to-crazy.html

Excellent article on how and why kids learn to lie

Here's a lengthy, very interesting article on the research into detecting falsehood and violent intent through observation of microexpressions, and a few individuals who are supremely good at it.

And here's an excerpt from near the end that I found striking, about the downside of this skill:

...part of what it means to be civilized is not to " ( Read more... )

More on the epistemological problem from ozarque:
1.) We believe things we hear a lot, even if what we've heard is that they're false.
2.) Provably, most research claims are false.
3.) Despite diligent study, we have no idea what actually makes us healthier.

Excellent articles, all. I posted the first one already.

Unintended effects of countering falsehoods. Thanks, ozarque.

Lying is not evidence of faith. Whole linked article on lying to promote creationism highly recommended. Also the tertiary link to "Dawkins's infamous pause".

10 uses for psychology in everyday life.

meowse, per our conversation a while back, note the research on what makes a smile look attractive, genuine, & flirtatious--here identified as slow onset & head tilt. Also note that I'm probably reducing my cholesterol levels by announcing that I am slowly smiling at you with my head tilted.

10 reasons gay ( Read more... )

Research suggests naming negative emotions is calming. Thanks, fishbliss.

In less welcome news from fishbliss, writer Fred Saberhagen is dead.

Six-month-old babies can lie. I think I knew that.

Also, there are baby tigers at the Issaquah zoo. Thanks for the heads-up, ocicat.