Topic: Psychological Science

A brief scientific report from the UK suggests that most domestic cats exhibit psychopathic tendencies, a trait likely inherited from their hunting ancestors. The hosts sign off with a reminder to watch Michael Strahan's space flight and a promotion for the "Bowl After Bowl" podcast. The episode ends with a custom music mix by Louis Kovic and a final "Adios Amigos" from the Texas Hill Country.

The website Retraction Watch reports on the correction of several scientific papers that originally claimed conservative beliefs were linked to psychoticism. The corrected data actually suggests that liberal political beliefs are more closely linked to these traits. The hosts discuss the "crisis in science" regarding data manipulation and p-values.

A study published in the journal Psychological Science finds that long lists of negative side effects in drug advertisements do not deter consumers. Instead, the warnings may increase sales because viewers interpret the transparency as a sign of trustworthiness and good faith. The research suggests that after a period of time, consumers forget the specific risks but retain a positive impression of the brand's honesty.

A study from the British Journal of Social Psychology suggests that people who believe in conspiracy theories are often projecting their own willingness to conspire onto others. The research claims that individuals with Machiavellian tendencies are more likely to endorse such theories. The hosts mock the study as an attempt to pathologize dissent.

A study published in Science magazine by Harvard researchers Matthew Killingsworth and Daniel Gilbert claims that a "wandering mind is an unhappy mind." The hosts interpret this as a tool for social control, suggesting the study encourages people to stay focused on their labor rather than reflecting on the past or worrying about the future. They liken the findings to a "Shut up slave" mandate for the workforce.