#Behavioural Science

[mindblowingscience]

New research published in Current Biology sheds light on how animals create and maintain internal spatial maps based on their surroundings. The study, led by Dr. Guifen Chen from Queen Mary University of London, delves into the brains of mice navigating a two-dimensional virtual reality (VR) environment, revealing the surprising importance of specific visual cues for building and maintaining spatial maps. It reveals that specific visual cues—in this case, elevated walls—are crucial for stabilizing the neurons responsible for spatial navigation in virtual reality (VR).

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[spoczkotszcz]

Writing resource - how I envision different emotional states

Cognitive processes are often regarded as separate from emotional processes, marking a sharp distinction between "thinking" and "feeling". Do keep in mind that not all theories of emotion regard this separation as valid. In effect a lack or dampening of a physiological response to a stimulus does not mean the person in question is incapable of understanding what the response should be in cognitive or even creative aesthetic terms, begging the question of whether this distinction is a fair or useful one to make.

Shame - Dripping. Viscous. Downward movements. Suffocating. Overwhelming. Paralysing thought and action like heavy mud.

Anger- a fiery storm of electrical impulses. As fire does, it requires fuel to propagate. It can be immediate and violent, or slow and building.

Envy- an emptiness. A lack of something the self has, the individuals ego stretching out as if to pluck that very thing out of the world. Has a tendency to be social focused. A wall of mirrors reflecting the self as others. The self expressing anger at these mirrors.

Glee- electrifying pleasure. It energises from within with an optimistic lens colouring the persons subsequent thoughts. Childlike whimsy as the person relaxes and loses inhibition

Confusion- electrical impulses misfiring as the mind searches for answers to external stimuli it cannot find. Lost in a deep forest, where every tree and thought looks the same.

Curiosity - a hunger of the mind. Sensory organs seeking out input so as to satisfy an ache deep inside. Eyes roaming, nostrils twitching, hands searching for touch.

Shock- similar to confusion, but more immediate. A paralysing instinctive reaction with an undercurrent of fear.

Fear- a cold dread, the swift acceleration of breathing, heart rate and muscle contractions. The body readying itself to confront a threat.

Anxiety- similar to fear in terms of physiological response, but more forward thinking and longer lasting. Less acute than fear, but causes more inner turmoil and mental anguish as the effects of diluted fear permeating the mind over long periods of time take their toll.

Worry- repeated rumination on a problem stemming from irrational inner turmoil, such as due to fear or envy. It is anxiety's more practical cousin, effectively. A ruminating feeling, pulling the mind inwards onto itself.

[kiragecko]

Just watched Tom Scott (and Gretchen McCulloch)'s video Why Do We Move Our Hands When We Talk? It reminded me of a curiosity I've had for a while.

Are there any good studies out there on abnormal gestural language use in ADHD people?

I know there are a bunch on autistic body/gestural language. But in my experience, ADHD people also have body language that is offputting to neurotypicals. ("Too large/wild.") And they tend to rely on it more than their peers.

I also wonder if faceblind people or more or less reliant on gestures. If avoiding eye-contact corresponds to a higher focus on body language.

Anyone know of any studies?

[safety-net-did]

This is how I am with kids, too.

Partially as a natural way of being, partially because the year of Behavioural Science I took in college.

Yet when you explain it bluntly like this to "kid people" so many of them get, like, offended?

It's tough being a kid, trying to learn the world for the first time ever. Having people be very clear about what is and isn't okay makes it easier!

Making the punishment fit the severity of the issue and not drawing out the emotional punishment after the behaviour is changed makes it clear that what they were doing was the problem, not them.

Plus being clear on exactly what the issue was and why, in a patient way? And returning to normal when they do?

The kids appreciate the clarity and consistency. I definitely did as a kid.

I want to apologize to my friends and family who have children for low key treating their kids like dogs but the standard methods for training dogs are even more effective of them because they actually understand language and are better at reasoning.

Positive reinforcement is amazingly effective, like I saw my nephew poking their cat so I sternly told him no, he stopped and I immediately changed my demeanor and cheerfully told him thank you and how happy I was that he listened to me instead of staying angry at him and he got this strange “Oh…It actually does make a difference wether I’m naughty or not” and later my sister in law asked why he’s so polite around me.

That’s literally what works best on dogs. Let them know when you don’t like what they’re doing but also let them know when you’re happy with them even if that means changing your demeanor on a dime (and even if you’re still a bit mad at them for doing it in the first place).

Oh and little treats. I skipped the aunt phase and is already turning into a grandma who has candy in her pockets for the kiddos for good behavior.

[prokopetz]

I've seen posts going around claiming that petting animals is basically tricking them into thinking they're being groomed, and it's bugging me because, like, there's no trickery afoot. Petting and scritching are grooming activities. They help to dislodge loose fur and foreign objects and more evenly distribute protective oils, among other things. Primates are social groomers, and the human impulse to scritch is the legacy of our primate ancestors. We see an animal we like, even a dangerous one, and the monkey brain says "groom that thing".

[raffaellopalandri]

The Alchemy of Rational Discipline: Cultivating Resilience and Peace Through Multivalent Traditions

This deceptively simple sentence contains a multi-dimensional programme for the transformation of the self. The Stoic Buddha, by Raffaello Palandri Rational analysis, mindfulness, and discipline constitute the threefold architecture of conscious living, offering the practitioner sovereignty over emotional reactivity, a pathway to equanimity, and a refined capacity to engage with stress as a…

[selfdiscoverymedia]

C25-17. Ivana Chubbuck. "Power of the Actor".

Choose Positive Living with Sara Troy and her guest Ivana Chubbuck, on air from April 29th Renowned acting teacher and bestselling author Ivana Chubbuck. The updated edition of her book, THE POWER OF THE ACTOR(Avery/Penguin Random House), was published on April 29th. Ivana speaks to anyone who is serious about overcoming hurdles, hardships, and inner demons to achieve their goals. Ivana will…

[kognozconsult]

Leading Behavioural Science Companies: Shaping Human Behavior through Insights

Discover top behavioural science companies that leverage research and data to understand human behavior. These firms offer solutions for businesses looking to optimize marketing, improve workplace productivity, and influence positive behavioral change.

[henry011111]

Unleashing Brand Influence: Leapfrog Strategy Consulting - Bridging Behavioural Science and Semiotics

Leapfrog Strategy Consulting pioneers the fusion of behavioural science and semiotics to unlock the true potential of brands. Our expert team deciphers the intricate relationship between human behaviour and cultural symbols, enabling brands to craft influential strategies. Harness the power of behavioural science and semiotics to shape consumer perceptions, motivations, and actions. Trust Leapfrog Strategy Consulting to propel your brand's influence through cutting-edge insights and innovative solutions.

[lead-academy]

Unlock the Mind: Explore the World of Behavioural Psychology in our Online Masterclass

The Psychology Masterclass Course Online is a comprehensive program designed to teach the fundamentals of behavioural psychology. With access to over 450 courses, staff members will have no shortage of engaging learning materials to choose from. The program is compatible with all major browsers and devices, offering a diverse range of courses - from 10-minute micro-learning lessons to 40-hour full courses. The material is CPD approved, ensuring that students receive high-quality education that meets industry standards. Additionally, new course material is regularly added to keep the curriculum up-to-date. The program boasts 24-hour customer support and dedicated account managers, ensuring that students receive the help they need to succeed. With the Psychology Masterclass Course Online, staff members can take their knowledge of behavioural psychology to new heights.Here is the course link:https://lead-academy.org/course/learn-behavioral-psychology

[bumgall]

Genies should update their rulebooks a bit...Not only there are quite a few ways to "cheese" one's way around the "no wishing for more wishes;" there are potentially reality-undoing ones as well, like: "wishing everyone was a geanie," or "wishing to have everybody's wish fufilled at the same time..."

[nightingaletrash]

I know we all get a giggle out of Dracula playing at being his own staff and running around the castle to do the work of a household by himself but a thought I had during today's entry was that it could be another tactic he uses to make Jonathan more vulnerable to his manipulation.

When the driver disappears, Jonathan is left waiting on the doorstep of the castle, waiting for the Count or a member of the staff to let him inside. All the while, he's stuck standing there in his thoughts, stranded in the mountains of a foreign country that are very much hazardous to him. There are wolves, strange blue flames, and an inescapable feeling of pure dread created by the foreboding scenery and general fear of the people around him. The whole journey to Castle Dracula, Jonathan felt afraid. And now he's alone with no way out, left with only his thoughts as he waits to be let into the 'safety' of the castle. He describes being crowded by his doubts and fears, wondering what on earth he's gotten himself into, but also how he can't turn back because he's a full-blown solicitor, and that this whole situation is starting to feel like a nightmare that he can't wake up from.

And then Dracula arrives, welcoming him inside and insisting on carrying his luggage for him, and Jonathan feels his doubts and fears melt away. Dracula - while strange to him in some ways and already arousing some suspicion with his resemblance to the Driver - immediately becomes a sort of safety from the nightmare. That long wait between the Driver's exit and Dracula's arrival generates an unease that can be taken advantage of.

In dogs, feelings of Fear leads to Seeking, Frustration and Rage behaviours. Whatever makes the Fear go away first becomes super reinforcing and the dog will go with what works: strange man with a big stick stops being scary if I bite him, then I'll bite faster the next time a similar threat appears. Going in my crate means the scary thing stays away from me, then I'll go in my crate when I feel scared. This person makes me feel safe? If a scary thing happens, I'll go to them and they'll either make sure the bad thing doesn't kill me or they'll tell me that I don't need to be scared.

In Jonathan's case, Dracula is the positive association. Scary place, scary circumstances, lots of doubt and fear? Well the Count I've come to visit has arrived to let me inside, away from the scary things, and is treating me to a lovely dinner while being very polite and courteous. I am no longer scared, therefore the Count is someone who makes me feel safe and therefore I am safe around him.

By letting Jonathan wait to be let into the castle and to engage in socialising, Dracula lets that fear build up. Lets it get to Jonathan just enough that he starts to feel it keenly before sweeping it away and becoming a point of refuge and safety. The only refuge and the only safety.

[biologist4ever]

[wisteriagoesvroom]

McLaren PR manager: so when it comes for your image in f1 and how you would like to define yourself, your brand could be a lot of things. it's a manifestation of who you are, the image people come to associate with you, a story about your personality for people to attach themselves emotionally to over what could be many years–

Oscar Piastri: it’s Australia

McLaren PR manager: i’m sorry what

Oscar Piastri: it’s Australia

McLaren PR manager: ...but there are so many possible narratives to explore. could be full of potential, you know, the young come-up, the ascendant wildcard, cold technical skill

Oscar Piastri: nah it's just Australia

[helendamnationx]

Dolphins have names? Dolphins have NAMES?? DOLPHINS. Have. NAMES. Dolphins have names.

They have a specific sound that they use to describe themselves, like, "hi, nice to meet you, I'm eeeeEeeEEEee, and you are?" and "hey, it's eeeeeEEEEeeEee, I'm over here," and other dolphins will use that name to get the attention of that specific dolphin. I'm gonna. I'm fine

There's also stuff here about them taking it easy on humans while playing, to account for their poor swimming skills. That doesn't impress me that much, in terms of "wow, animals can do that?" because a lot of dogs very clearly also do similar things - e.g. my childhood dog refusing to play "vicious dogs" (tug of war) with tiny me - but it really is a sign of intelligence and social behaviour and like, tact.

But names. That's. That's really something.