Psychology Archives

Spaced Practice Method: Level Up Your Learning Game

What is spaced practice? How does spaced practice compare to cramming (learning a large amount of information in a very short period of time)? Which technique is more effective and why? Spaced practice is a study technique that involves multiple short study sessions spaced out over time. Spaced practice develops your “underlying habit strength,” which prepares you to use that knowledge when you need it. It may feel less productive than cramming initially because you’ve forgotten some of the material and it feels like you don’t have a grasp of it—but that extra effort is precisely what makes the method

You Are Not Special: Letting Go of the Entitlement Trap

Why do so many people today fall into the entitlement trap? And Why is entitlement such a big problem? The entitlement trap takes two forms: you feel like you’re entitled to be happy all the time, or you think you’re special or different in some way. The truth is: it’s impossible to feel good all the time, and most of your problems are not unique or exceptional. Keep reading to learn why you are not special, and that’s okay.

Debunking the Arguments in Listening to Prozac

What is the book Listening to Prozac about? Who is the scientist that challenged the claims made in the book? Listening to Prozac is a landmark book written in support of antidepressants drugs by Dr. Peter Kramer. The book is based on three main arguments rooted in questionable science. Dr. Irving Kirsch used new evidence-based research to refute these arguments in his journal—” The Emperor’s New Drugs: Exploding the Antidepressant Myth.” Read on for Dr. Irving Kirsch’s arguments as to why Listening to Prozac is flawed.

The 4 Productivity Killers & How to Overcome Them

What productivity killers are getting in your way? How much more could you get done if you got over these hurdles? You’re probably committed to productivity. But, if you’re like most people, stuff gets in your way. In order to fight off these productivity killers, it helps to identify and understand them. Whether it’s your fears, your habits, or your environment, you can confront these killers and ultimately get more done. Keep reading to learn how to banish productivity killers.

Why Comparing Ourselves to Others Is Unhealthy

Why should we stop comparing ourselves to others? What damage can it cause? Are there any benefits that come from comparison? Brené Brown, the author of The Gifts of Imperfection, asserts that comparing ourselves to others causes emotional damage and stops us from living authentically. She says that one way to fight comparison is to embrace our creativity because it cultivates individuality. Continue for more of Brené Brown’s take on comparison, and whether or not the research supports her claims.

Behavioral Residue: The Key to Long-Term Marketing

What is behavioral residue? How can implementing this marketing method ensure your product remains visible in the long term? Behavioral residue is a marketing tactic used to ensure a product remains visible to potential customers for a long time. Visibility is important as people are not going to talk or think about your product if they don’t know about it. Adding behavioral residue will ensure your product visibility continues in the long term and doesn’t fade away, ultimately ensuring increased sales. Keep reading to learn more about behavioral residue.

Interleaved Practice: Mixed Learning Helps Retention

What is interleaved practice? How does it compare to mass practice? Which method is more effective and why? Interleaved practice is a study technique where you alternate between several topics or skills, instead of focusing on one thing at a time. Although it may seem counterproductive to study this way, interleaved practice is actually more effective than massed practice because it boosts retention and emulates real life—where you’ll encounter situations that require a mix of different skills and knowledge. Keep reading to learn about interleaved practice and why it’s more effective than mass practice.

How to Build Willpower: Treat It Like a Battery

Do you know how to build willpower? What drains it? Willpower is critical to success. But you likely will fail if you don’t understand how it works and how to manage it. Once you know how to build willpower and use it effectively, you set yourself up for success. Read more to learn how to build willpower and use it well.

A Closer Look at the Effect of Placebo Antidepressants

What is the effect of placebo antidepressants on depression? What is the harm in using placebo drugs to treat depression? Placebo antidepressants work by stimulating the drug user’s belief in the power of the treatment to cure depression. The drug itself cannot cure depression, it is the placebo effect of using the drug that instigates improvement in the patient. The harm comes from the side effects of antidepressants which include weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and increased risk of diabetes. Read on to learn more about the effect of placebo antidepressants.

The Quest for Ideological Purity on College Campuses

How is the “us versus them” mindset causing a quest for ideological purity in colleges? Why is it so important to have diverse viewpoints? In their book, The Coddling of the American Mind, Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff believe that many colleges today are trending towards ideological purity rather than diversity. They state that this way of thinking can lead to persecution of those who are perceived to be dissenters and can lead to intimidation and fear. Keep reading to learn why ideological purity in colleges is dangerous.