A Knowledge Archive for the World
Why Do We Fall Into Bias? Understanding the Mental Shortcuts Shaping Our Daily Lives Bias and stereotypes are hardwired into everyone, regardless of background. In the U.S., our upbringing, media, and cultural influences all contribute to the mental shortcuts we use to process information. While these shortcuts are often helpful, they can lead to flawed … Read more
What Is Positive Self-Talk? The Basics and Psychological Impact of Positive Self-Talk Positive self-talk refers to the practice of consciously directing encouraging, supportive, and constructive thoughts toward oneself. In the U.S., this is often called “being your own coach” or “self-motivation.” Positive self-talk can take the form of reassuring phrases before a big presentation—like “I’m … Read more
Why Do You Feel Nervous Before an Exam? Before an important test, your heart races, your palms sweat, and your mind can suddenly go blank. This is your body’s natural “fight-or-flight” response kicking in. But when the reaction is too strong, it disrupts focus and makes it harder to recall what you’ve studied. Test anxiety … Read more