Link feast

What On Earth Is Going On?
Psychologist magazine editor Dr Jon Sutton reports from the first day of the American Psychological Association’s Annual Conference (also check out his reports from days two and three: In search of clarity and creativity; A change is gonna come).

“What Is Happening to Our Country? How Psychology Can Respond to Political Polarization, Incivility and Intolerance”
Jonathan Haidt’s keynote address at the APA conference is available to watch on YouTube.

Faculty at MIT and beyond respond forcefully to an article critical of Suzanne Corkin
More than 200 members of the scientific community sign a letter supporting the late MIT neuroscientist; department head issues a statement.
Supporters rally to protect the late Professor Corkin’s reputation following the controversial New York Times magazine article by Luke Dittrich that we featured in Link feast last week.

Questions & Answers about “Patient H.M.”
Luke Dittrich responds to the MIT statement.

The Danger of Making a Backup Plan
Knowing you have a safety net makes you less likely to make the leap. My take on some new research for 99U.com.

I am Maria Konnikova, a contributing writer for The New Yorker. I cover the world of psychology—and beyond
The author and columnist took questions in a Reddit AMA (ask me anything).

Only The Lonely
“Loneliness is hell: debilitating yet formative,” writes Cody Delistraty at Aeon. “Can we avoid the pains of loneliness yet enjoy the pleasures of solitude?”

Six Strategies for Effective Learning 
Downloadable posters from the Learning Scientists (three psychologists on a mission to make research on learning more accessible to students, teachers, and other educators).

We Are Not The Only Species To Develop Speech Impediments
Birds that stutter and mice that make ultrasonic squeaks could help reveal the origins of spoken language. By Mo Costandi for BBC Earth.

Big assumptions, poor data: this time James Flynn won’t change your ideas about IQ
Stuart Ritchie for The Spectator reviews the new book from James Flynn, best known for documenting the rise in average IQs.