While the languages of the world differ in many respects, they share certain commonalties, which can provide insight on our shared cognition. In a new study Prof. Inbal Arnon and Dr. Ori Lavi-Rotbain explore the learnability consequences of one of the striking commonalities between languages. Read more about The learnability consequences of Zipfian distributions in language
Why are we attracted to some people and not to others?
A new study finds that when a man and a woman synchronize their physiology and dynamically tune their behavior to one another during a first date, they are romantically and sexually attracted to one another. Read more about Bio-behavioral synchrony is a potential mechanism for mate selection in humans
A new Paper by PhD candidate Eric Shuman, Dr. Siwar Hasan Aslih and Prof. Eran Halperin, recently published in PNAS highlights the importance of considering multiple measures of protest effectiveness and suggests that mass protest (including when it mixes nonviolence and violence) can be effective at advancing the movement’s goals.
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Our cognitive system is tuned toward spotting the uncommon and unexpected. Prof. Ran Hassin and Dr. Rasha Kardoshת Dr. Alon Goldstein Dr. Asael Sklar and Prof Yoni Pertzov propose that individuals coming from minority groups are, by definition, just that—uncommon and often unexpected. Consequently, they are psychologically salient in perception, memory, and visual awareness. Read more about Minority salience and the overestimation of individuals from minority groups in perception and memory
The prevalence of redundancy in the world languages has long puzzled language researchers. It is especially surprising in light of the growing evidence on speakers' tendency to avoid redundant elements in production (omitting or reducing more predictable elements). Read more about Redundancy can benefit learning: Evidence from word order and case marking
Multiple brain systems are engaged when we try to understand people's emotions, including parts of the sensorimotor cortex associated with motor simulation. Simulation-related brain activity is described as a 'low-level' component of empathy - however its contribution to complex empathic judgments is unclear. Read more about Mu rhythm suppression over sensorimotor regions is associated with greater empathic accuracy
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. Yet, people often underestimate this threat and believe that climate change is an issue facing other people in other places. What might amplify environmental concern and motivate essential pro-environmental behavior? Read more about Personal experience with Covid-19 is associated with increased environmental concern and pro-environmental behavioral intentions
This NeuroView is intended for graduate students who are not sure how to choose or what to expect from a mentor as well as mentors who are uncertain what to give mentees. Two principal investigators and a current mentee will share their perspectives on this bidirectional relationship.
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