Psychology research serves as a bridge between empirical evidence and the practical application of psychological findings to our everyday lives. Research in psychology focuses on topics related to health and well-being, individual differences, intelligence and cognition, abuse and trauma, gender, substance abuse and addiction, mental illness, and prevention efforts… just to name a few. Advances within psychology research serve to further the knowledge base of mental health professionals, academics, policy-makers, students, and the general public. In fact, psychology research has the capacity to serve pivotal roles in actively promoting social justice, paving the way for changes to the cultural Zeitgeist, and sculpting family discussions around important issues.

Psychology research that is published within peer reviewed journals is intended to make contributions to the betterment of public welfare and clinical decision-making through ethical scrutiny of preexisting bodies of knowledge, conducting relevant studies based on that knowledge, and providing directions for future research. Psychology research is a living organism, in that it strives toward constant growth and evolution, discarding that which lacks sufficient validity and reliability. The aim of psychology research is not to reach an end goal, but rather to continually apply the scientific method in novel ways that enhance psychological knowledge and inform psychological practice.

The Importance of How You Think About Mistakes

“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t – you’re right.” – Henry Ford We all make mistakes.  Some people seem to learn from their mistakes more readily than others.  Many people haven’t given specific consideration to how they think about mistakes.  We all have beliefs about what mistakes mean, the importance of making mistakes,…

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Snap Decision? Use Feelings, Not Reason

“Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson We are faced with a countless number of choices each day.  We are often unaware that we are in fact making choices when we get into the habit of going through our regular daily routines. The truth is that each…

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Mindfulness Meditation Regulates Alpha Rhythms

“Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.” – Buddha The positive benefits of mindfulness meditation can be incredibly far reaching, affecting many areas of your life.  Many people who regularly engage in a mindfulness practice…

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The Truth: Tell It to Me Straight

“Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold.” – Leo Tolstoy What makes the difference between believing someone versus not believing someone?  Most of us have an underlying sense of whether or not to believe what someone is saying, but what…

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Autonomy & Freedom Make You Happier Than Money

“Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish have been caught will we realize we cannot eat money.” – Cree Indian Proverb According to a recent study published by the American Psychological Association (APA), “freedom and personal autonomy are more important to people’s well-being than…

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