The Conversation Goes Mental: Interviews On Psychology And Human Behavior
This hour on The Conversation we explore the strange and confusing behavior of humans. Why do we act the way we do? And can we change? Psychologists and science writers take us inside the brain to explain our peculiar actions.
Why It’s Good To Wait
Because of the fast pace of modern life, we tend to react too quickly. We don't take the time, sometimes just the extra few seconds, to make better decisions. That's the case Frank Partnoy makes in his book, "Wait: The Art and Science of Delay." He even argues that an apology can be better if you wait a bit to say you're sorry. Partnoy's book is based on his experience as a corporate lawyer and interviews he did with neurologists, psychologists and behavioral economists.
The Power Of Habits
Much of what we do is habit. But how do you discover your habit patterns and change them? Good habits can mean the difference between failure and success. Award–winning New York Times reporter Charles Duhigg tells Ross Reynolds about the science of habits. Duhigg’s book, "The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business,” says it’s possible to break a bad habit. Sometimes it just involves a little chocolate.
The Strange Science Of Sleep
David Randall never gave sleep much thought — until he began sleepwalking. One midnight crash into a hallway wall sent him on an investigation into the strange science of sleep. Ross Reynolds talks to the author about his book, "Dreamland: Adventures In The Strange Science Of Sleep." You’ll never look at your pillow the same way again.
