Why do (American) women tend to avoid casual eye contact with men as they walk by, enter an elevator, etc... I know there is the obvious issue of not wanting to appear “interested” or send a sexual signal...but does that explain everything? [more inside]
posted by punkfloyd on Dec 16, 2009 - 79 answers

What is the most important scientific question of our time? [more inside]
posted by Demogorgon on Oct 12, 2009 - 44 answers

Looking for examples of artists using scientific, sociological, mathematical, ethnographic, or psychological devices in their practice. Bonus points for funny. [more inside]
posted by SebastianKnight on Sep 12, 2009 - 20 answers

What "rules of thumb" or "instincts" of the human mind are commonly applicable? [more inside]
posted by pbh on Jul 21, 2009 - 23 answers

What do we know about gregariousness in human behavior? [more inside]
posted by bru on Jul 7, 2009 - 14 answers

I'm trying to find a psychological/sociological study on men and women's views of the ideal female body type. [more inside]
posted by Jaltcoh on Oct 19, 2008 - 6 answers

What are your favorite books and sites/blogs about psychology and sociology. I have become increasingly interested in these subjects after reading Cialdini's 'Influence' and Ariely's 'Predictably Irrational'. I have read a few of Maslow's books and find them fascinating. I would be bored stiff reading the DSM or Freud. I am interested in social psychology, i/o psychology, and things like Group Think, Propinquity, and the Ben Franklin Effect.
posted by kaizen on Oct 1, 2008 - 18 answers

What have been the most important books in social science (including psychology, political science, sociology, anthropology, economics, "applied" social sciences like marketing, and so on) of the past 50 years?
posted by Malad on Jun 3, 2008 - 19 answers

What's some speculative fiction that uses magic or fictional technology to explore psychology, sociology, or political science in a deep way? I'm not as much interested here in fabulous monsters or space operas or even deep thinking about physics -- I'm interested in books that explore the nature of the mind and/or human society by imagining a world that worked differently.
posted by shivohum on Apr 13, 2008 - 45 answers

I am 96% sure that I have read/heard from a reputable source that murderers, especially serial killers, are an inherent reflection of Western society, and that both actual murderers and fictional portrayals are important significant elements. Part A: Is this just a half-remembered bit of dialogue from some prime-time criminal procedural, and Part B: if not, where is it from? [more inside]
posted by sarahkeebs on Mar 24, 2008 - 11 answers

Books about anthropology, psychology, sociology, modern rituals...I think. Can you point me in the right direction? [more inside]
posted by lhall on Dec 20, 2007 - 11 answers

Anyone know of any well-written studies detailing how different psychological makeups of internet users affect the development of internet communities? [more inside]
posted by modernnomad on Feb 2, 2007 - 2 answers

HumanBehaviorFilter: Why are some customers so nasty to the people serving them? [more inside]
posted by LightStruk on Oct 5, 2006 - 72 answers

Gravity/Life/SocietyFilter: So the Earth is all lumpy, with more or less gravity in some places. Has anyone ever corroborated it with life/social/world things? Many questions inside... [more inside]
posted by amberglow on Feb 18, 2006 - 33 answers

I am a research assistant for a project that involves studying participants in a website for a particular deviant sexuality. I think my research methodology is unethical, but my supervisor disagrees. What can I do? Is the internet a public or private place? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 27, 2005 - 47 answers

What is the real difference between psychology and sociology? Does a concise and thorough explanation exist anywhere? I'm thinking particularly in terms of social interactions and The Self. Both seem to be viable topics in both sociology and psychology. I perceive a lot of overlap between the two disciplines. Am I wrong? Do sociologists and psychologist agree with me?
posted by lalalana on Nov 15, 2005 - 13 answers

Has there been any serious evaluation of the psychology and sociology behind furry fandom? Or is it usually only mentioned as a subgroup of fandoms in general?
posted by monsterhero on Sep 13, 2005 - 6 answers

Do you think you are a smarter person than the average upper-middle class person of 300 years ago? [more inside]
posted by ashbury on Jun 7, 2005 - 37 answers

What is the psychology/biology/(insert)-ology behind what we commonly refer to as "heartbreak?"
posted by playtragic on Mar 31, 2005 - 11 answers

Everytime I read about the Stanford Prison Experiment, I become skeptical. I can believe the kinds of things that are described happened, I just can't believe they happened so fast. Is there any evidence things didn't happen as described, that the happenings were exaggerated?
posted by weston on Aug 28, 2004 - 28 answers

I'm looking for any books (or studies), recommendations that might tackle the dynamics and relationships of repression/suppression psychological mechanisms and profit-driven media in the so-called "Information Age," and its possible effect in societies.

I'd love to see serious research into the current notion that humans are indeed straying from preexisting social formations thanks to electrical and electronic communication systems (i.e. "growing desensitized"). Thanks in advance. Any related info is welcome, and truly appreciated. Psych majors/graduates? Social theory majors/graduates? [more inside]
posted by oog on Jul 18, 2004 - 2 answers

Psychology/Sociology Q [I think?] Does anyone else experience participatory inhibition when immersed in a like minded group? For example, a creative person becoming unusually shy/quiet within a team of creative people working on a [design] task? Lurkers on MeFi or other online communities might be another example. Or, the opposite: a creative person's creativity amplified [uninhibited?] in the presence of less creative people?

Is it a matter of personality/psychology? Is it confidence/self assuredness? Is it alterable? Imaginary?!

Sources for further reading and help clarifying the question appreciated.
posted by yoga on Apr 30, 2004 - 6 answers