It might seem that careful thought about all of the options would drive our decision making. But researchers have found that confidence is a bigger driver.

It might seem that careful thought about all of the options would drive our decision making. But researchers have found that confidence is a bigger driver.
Edgar Allan Poe’s legacy continues to pervade American culture to this day. His work and ideas not only helped to create an entire genre of literature but also changed the way many Americans thought and spoke about the human psyche. Watch this short biography of one of America’s most influential Dark Romantics.
Read about a national competition that is propelling one student toward a bright future on the strength of his dramatic interpretation.
Got an idea that you’d like to turn into a job? Get advice from ten top Kidpreneurs on making the most of opportunities, taking advantage of the many free resources at hand, and putting every minute of the day to good use.
Psychologist Ben Newell explains how previous experience affects risky decisions.
What historically male names have increasingly been given to female babies? What names have managed to remain gender neutral? Read about the back-and-forth of some popular names in the United States.
Victims of crimes sometimes have a say in the cases’ outcomes in a process called restorative justice. Listen to this radio interview to hear more about how it works.
In this article, activist Erica Williams considers some possible reasons for the widely held belief that members of the “millennial” generation have poor work ethic.
“One sometimes finds what one is not looking for,” said Alexander Fleming, whose chance observation of a contaminated experiment led to the the world’s first antibiotic. This Smithsonian article discusses inventions and discoveries that centered on a flash of insight in a mind prepared to see what it wasn’t looking for.
It may be easier to have a conversation with someone who already agrees with you, but it’s better for your brain to talk with—and listen to—someone who disagrees with you. In this article, Art Markman, Ph.D., a cognitive scientist at the University of Texas, discusses the practical applications of psychological research on disagreement.
A few years ago a British adventurer completed the first solo canoe trip down the full length of Africa’s Congo River. Read about the challenges he faced.
Stress can put people’s nerves on edge, but it can also cause them to be kinder and more compassionate toward others.
Where does your money typically go? Compare your spending habits with the national breakdowns featured in this report.
Free climbers Kevin Jorgesen and Tommy Caldwell reached the summit of El Capitan’s Dawn Wall in Yosemite after over 18 days of hard work. Many consider it the toughest, most challenging rock climb in the world. Read about it here.
In this article, Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee discuss the second machine age, in which artificial intelligence and the ability of most people to access online resources will come together to create new innovations.
Could talking about your fears actually lessen them? Find out what the research says.
Read about Ida B. Wells’ fight to end the lynching of black people, a cause that stood in contrast to other suffrage leaders’ beliefs.
Whether it’s disaster relief, anti-bullying, or animal adoption, find a cause that matters to you. What will you do to effect positive change?
Even if you’re not that excited about making your voice heard, you may be the best person to lead a group. Find out why.
This article appeared in January on Holocaust Memorial Day 2015, whose theme was “keep the memory alive.” Every time someone reads Anne Frank’s diary, that is what happens. What is your favorite quote from Anne Frank’s diary?