Francis T. McAndrew | Knox College (original) (raw)
Books by Francis T. McAndrew
Encyclopedia of Heroism Studies, 2023
Heroism might best be understood as a form of "costly signaling" through which an individual comm... more Heroism might best be understood as a form of "costly signaling" through which an individual communicates desirable information about his/her genetic quality, selflessness, and bravery. Such signaling enhances the attractiveness of the signaler as an ally and as a mate, leading to long-term adaptive/reproductive advantages for the signaler.
The Conversation on Guns, 2023
Oxford Handbook of Gossip and Reputation, 2019
Gossip is a more complicated and socially important phenomenon than most people think, and campai... more Gossip is a more complicated and socially important phenomenon than most people think, and campaigns to stamp out gossip in workplaces and other social settings overlook the fact that gossip is part of human nature and an essential part of what makes social groups function as well as they do. This chapter takes the position that gossip is an evolutionary adaptation and that it is the primary tool for monitoring and managing the reputation of individuals in society. An interest in the affairs of other people is a necessary component of being a socially competent person, and the chapter explores the multi-dimensional nature of gossip-related social skills. It pays special attention to “gossip as a social skill,” rather than as a character flaw, and presents insights into related phenomena such as how people use social media such as Facebook.
Articles by Francis T. McAndrew
Psychology Today, 2024
People differ a great deal in how easily they get creeped out. The experience of creepiness is ve... more People differ a great deal in how easily they get creeped out. The experience of creepiness is very much about a failure to resolve uncertainty. The personality trait of tolerance for ambiguity is a predictor of the ease with which you get creeped out.
Journal of Psychology, 2024
This study was designed to explore the role played by ambiguity in the experience of creepiness, ... more This study was designed to explore the role played by ambiguity in the experience of creepiness, as well as the relevance of personality traits for predicting individual differences in susceptibility to getting “creeped out,” In an online study, a mixed sample of 278 college undergraduates and adults (60 males, 206 females, 12 nonbinary or chose not to report; Mean age = 31.43, range 18-68) recruited through social network platforms filled out scales measuring their tolerance for ambiguity and their susceptibility to having “Not Just Right Experiences.” They then rated 25 images (12 normal, 13 prejudged to be creepy or confusing) on creepiness and several other adjective dimensions. The findings indicated that individuals who were less tol- erant of ambiguity and those highly susceptible to not just right experiences perceived ambiguous or creepy persons, places, and objects to be more creepy, confusing and disturbing. Both measures were negatively related to time spent looking at confusing or creepy images, and females were generally more easily creeped out by creepy and confusing images than were males. The results support the conclusion that current models of creepiness are correct; the emotional experience of getting “creeped out” does indeed appear to be triggered by the need to resolve ambiguity.
Psychology Today, 2024
Humans live in variety of population densities, but social groups thrive when their size is just ... more Humans live in variety of population densities, but social groups thrive when their size is just right. Aprroximately 150 people seems to be the "natural" size of prehistoric human groups. In the modern world, 150 remains a key target size for many types of human groups.
Psychology Today, 2024
Students often struggle at the beginning of research projects-knowing how to begin. Research proj... more Students often struggle at the beginning of research projects-knowing how to begin. Research projects can sometimes be inspired by everyday life or personal concerns. Becoming something of an "expert" on a topic in advance makes designing a study go more smoothly.
Psychology Today, 2024
It is sometimes assumed that the personal concerns of the researcher guide psychological research... more It is sometimes assumed that the personal concerns of the researcher guide psychological research. Research topics often evolve from curiosity about how everyday life works. Connecting new research to existing bodies of research is essential.
Psychology Today, 2024
Perceptions of the acceptable age for death changes across our lifespan. Older people are less an... more Perceptions of the acceptable age for death changes across our lifespan. Older people are less anxious about death than are middle-aged adults.
Psychology Today, 2024
The sacrifices made by prehistoric humans created nicer 21st-century people.
Psychological Reports, 2023
Psychology Today, 2023
Gossip is the thing that makes us human. Why does this make us so uncomfortable?
Psychology Today, 2023
When is gossip the moral course of action-and when is it just a betrayal? "Snitching" can be thou... more When is gossip the moral course of action-and when is it just a betrayal? "Snitching" can be thought of as a form of "good gossip" that serves the interests of a group.
Psychology Today, 2023
Some psychologists have suggested that gossip is one of the most important mechanisms for bonding... more Some psychologists have suggested that gossip is one of the most important mechanisms for bonding social groups. Recent research indicates that there may be a chemical basis for the bonding benefits of gossip.
Psychology Today, 2022
Here's why we need to have places that belong to us.
Psychology Today, 2022
Many people feel very confident about following their intuition. We easily fall into predictable ... more Many people feel very confident about following their intuition. We easily fall into predictable cognitive traps when we blindly follow intuition and disregard new information. We can become more socially effective by becoming aware of the limits of our intuition. I frequently encounter people who pride themselves on their intuition. They humbly, and sometimes not-so-humbly, brag about their ability to quickly size up social situations and other people, and then make snap judgments.
Encyclopedia of Heroism Studies, 2023
Heroism might best be understood as a form of "costly signaling" through which an individual comm... more Heroism might best be understood as a form of "costly signaling" through which an individual communicates desirable information about his/her genetic quality, selflessness, and bravery. Such signaling enhances the attractiveness of the signaler as an ally and as a mate, leading to long-term adaptive/reproductive advantages for the signaler.
The Conversation on Guns, 2023
Oxford Handbook of Gossip and Reputation, 2019
Gossip is a more complicated and socially important phenomenon than most people think, and campai... more Gossip is a more complicated and socially important phenomenon than most people think, and campaigns to stamp out gossip in workplaces and other social settings overlook the fact that gossip is part of human nature and an essential part of what makes social groups function as well as they do. This chapter takes the position that gossip is an evolutionary adaptation and that it is the primary tool for monitoring and managing the reputation of individuals in society. An interest in the affairs of other people is a necessary component of being a socially competent person, and the chapter explores the multi-dimensional nature of gossip-related social skills. It pays special attention to “gossip as a social skill,” rather than as a character flaw, and presents insights into related phenomena such as how people use social media such as Facebook.
Psychology Today, 2024
People differ a great deal in how easily they get creeped out. The experience of creepiness is ve... more People differ a great deal in how easily they get creeped out. The experience of creepiness is very much about a failure to resolve uncertainty. The personality trait of tolerance for ambiguity is a predictor of the ease with which you get creeped out.
Journal of Psychology, 2024
This study was designed to explore the role played by ambiguity in the experience of creepiness, ... more This study was designed to explore the role played by ambiguity in the experience of creepiness, as well as the relevance of personality traits for predicting individual differences in susceptibility to getting “creeped out,” In an online study, a mixed sample of 278 college undergraduates and adults (60 males, 206 females, 12 nonbinary or chose not to report; Mean age = 31.43, range 18-68) recruited through social network platforms filled out scales measuring their tolerance for ambiguity and their susceptibility to having “Not Just Right Experiences.” They then rated 25 images (12 normal, 13 prejudged to be creepy or confusing) on creepiness and several other adjective dimensions. The findings indicated that individuals who were less tol- erant of ambiguity and those highly susceptible to not just right experiences perceived ambiguous or creepy persons, places, and objects to be more creepy, confusing and disturbing. Both measures were negatively related to time spent looking at confusing or creepy images, and females were generally more easily creeped out by creepy and confusing images than were males. The results support the conclusion that current models of creepiness are correct; the emotional experience of getting “creeped out” does indeed appear to be triggered by the need to resolve ambiguity.
Psychology Today, 2024
Humans live in variety of population densities, but social groups thrive when their size is just ... more Humans live in variety of population densities, but social groups thrive when their size is just right. Aprroximately 150 people seems to be the "natural" size of prehistoric human groups. In the modern world, 150 remains a key target size for many types of human groups.
Psychology Today, 2024
Students often struggle at the beginning of research projects-knowing how to begin. Research proj... more Students often struggle at the beginning of research projects-knowing how to begin. Research projects can sometimes be inspired by everyday life or personal concerns. Becoming something of an "expert" on a topic in advance makes designing a study go more smoothly.
Psychology Today, 2024
It is sometimes assumed that the personal concerns of the researcher guide psychological research... more It is sometimes assumed that the personal concerns of the researcher guide psychological research. Research topics often evolve from curiosity about how everyday life works. Connecting new research to existing bodies of research is essential.
Psychology Today, 2024
Perceptions of the acceptable age for death changes across our lifespan. Older people are less an... more Perceptions of the acceptable age for death changes across our lifespan. Older people are less anxious about death than are middle-aged adults.
Psychology Today, 2024
The sacrifices made by prehistoric humans created nicer 21st-century people.
Psychological Reports, 2023
Psychology Today, 2023
Gossip is the thing that makes us human. Why does this make us so uncomfortable?
Psychology Today, 2023
When is gossip the moral course of action-and when is it just a betrayal? "Snitching" can be thou... more When is gossip the moral course of action-and when is it just a betrayal? "Snitching" can be thought of as a form of "good gossip" that serves the interests of a group.
Psychology Today, 2023
Some psychologists have suggested that gossip is one of the most important mechanisms for bonding... more Some psychologists have suggested that gossip is one of the most important mechanisms for bonding social groups. Recent research indicates that there may be a chemical basis for the bonding benefits of gossip.
Psychology Today, 2022
Here's why we need to have places that belong to us.
Psychology Today, 2022
Many people feel very confident about following their intuition. We easily fall into predictable ... more Many people feel very confident about following their intuition. We easily fall into predictable cognitive traps when we blindly follow intuition and disregard new information. We can become more socially effective by becoming aware of the limits of our intuition. I frequently encounter people who pride themselves on their intuition. They humbly, and sometimes not-so-humbly, brag about their ability to quickly size up social situations and other people, and then make snap judgments.
Psychology Today, 2022
It is widely accepted that exceptional success requires exceptional sacrifice, and this can under... more It is widely accepted that exceptional success requires exceptional sacrifice, and this can undermine relationships and well-being. There are many examples of highly successful people who never seem to find happiness, but is this inevitable? Recent research finds very few downsides to being extraordinarily successful, and it may in fact confer health and other benefits. We have all heard that "you can't have it all" and that we must ultimately choose between "love and duty," to steal a line from the classic movie High Noon.
Psychology Today, 2022
Humans are prewired to look into each other's eyes. Properly employing patterns of gaze is essent... more Humans are prewired to look into each other's eyes. Properly employing patterns of gaze is essential for effective social interactions. Eye contact turns up the volume on whatever feelings are inherent in an interaction.
Psychology Today, 2022
Defining the boundary that separates friends from acquaintances can be tricky. One's cultural bac... more Defining the boundary that separates friends from acquaintances can be tricky. One's cultural background is a key factor in how friendships are managed. Because friendships require an investment of time and resources, we can only manage a limited number of them at one time. Having "chemistry" with another person is a key ingredient to a solid friendship.
Psychology Today, 2022
Only some individuals seem capable of the split-second decisions necessary for heroic action duri... more Only some individuals seem capable of the split-second decisions necessary for heroic action during emergencies. Men are more likely than women to engage in physically risky bravery to save the lives of strangers. Research shows that physically risky heroic behavior may be an evolutionary adaptation that provides mating advantages for men but not women.
The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file. All in-text references underlined in b... more The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file. All in-text references underlined in blue are added to the original document and are linked to publications on ResearchGate, letting you access and read them immediately.
Perceptual and Motor Skills, Dec 1, 1985
40 male college students exhibited greater grip strength in the presence of red visual stimulatio... more 40 male college students exhibited greater grip strength in the presence of red visual stimulation than they did when exposed to green. Several confounding factors present in previous tests of the color-strength hypothesis were carefully controlled.
Aggression and Violent Behavior, May 1, 2014
ABSTRACT An interest in the affairs of same-sex others is especially strong among females, and wo... more ABSTRACT An interest in the affairs of same-sex others is especially strong among females, and women are more likely than men to use gossip in an aggressive, competitive manner. The goal of such gossip is to exclude competitors from a social group and damage the competitor’s ability to maintain a reliable social network of her own. Timeworn assumptions about an affinity between females and negative gossip appear to be more than just a stereotype. Understanding the dynamics of competitive gossip may also give us insight into related social phenomena such as how people use social media such as Facebook.
Evolutionary Psychology, Aug 10, 2015
Oxford University Press eBooks, Sep 2, 2014
Springer eBooks, Oct 8, 2018
Journal of College Student Development, 2010
Journal of Social Psychology, Aug 1, 2000
Citizens of 9 different English-speaking countries (N = 619) evaluated the average, or typical, c... more Citizens of 9 different English-speaking countries (N = 619) evaluated the average, or typical, citizen of 5 English-speaking countries (Great Britain, Canada, Nigeria, United States, Australia) on 9 pairs of bipolar adjectives. Participants were drawn from Australia, Botswana, Canada, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. There were statistically significant similarities in the rankings of the 5 stimulus countries on 8 of the 9 adjective dimensions and a strong convergence of autostereotypes and heterostereotypes on many traits. The results relate to previous stereotyping research and traditional methods of assessing the accuracy of national stereotypes.
Archives of Suicide Research, Jun 14, 2007
The Journal of Environmental Education, 2001
Cross-Cultural Research, May 1, 2006
Aggression and Violent Behavior, Sep 1, 2009
Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, Jun 1, 1986
Forty American (20 males, 20 females) and 31 Malaysian (20 males, II females) college students re... more Forty American (20 males, 20 females) and 31 Malaysian (20 males, II females) college students responded to 60 tachistoscopic presentations of photographs of facial expressions by judging the gender and the emotional expression of each face. The duration of exposure times ranged from 3 msec. to 800 msec. Stable recognition thresholds for most emotional expressions were established by 12 or 25 msec., with fear requiring 300 msec. to be recognized by each group of subjects. Happiness and sadness were the most accurately identified emotions, and anger and fear were the most difficult for subjects to recognize. Females were better than males at identifying surprise and fear, especially at the longer exposure times, and the ability to identify anger was strongly affected by both the sex and cultural background of the subject. Although there were several instances in which Malaysian and American subjects differed, overall accuracy of recognition and perceptual thresholds were not strongly related to differences in ethnic background.
Computers in Human Behavior, Nov 1, 2012
Evolutionary Psychology, 2006
Psi Chi journal of undergraduate research, 1998