Happy Halloween! We're throwing it back as we dive into the spooky science of superstition—why we knock on wood, wear lucky socks, and believe in things that defy logic. From the psychology of control and uncertainty to research on how superstition both stresses and strengthens us, we mix science, humor, and a dash of Stevie Wonder to show why “superstition ain’t the way.”
Topics
[0:00] Happy Halloween from Behavioral Grooves!
[2:08] Common superstitions and their rationality
[6:40] Psychological and cultural aspects of superstitions
[9:13] Superstitions: The positives and negatives
[14:36] The hidden wisdom of Stevie Wonder
[16:14] Why we should be curious about our rituals
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Links
Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition
Delacroix, Eva & Valérie Guillard. (2008). Understanding, defining and measuring the trait of superstition.
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Music Links
Stevie Wonder - Superstition
Nightmare Before Christmas - This Is Halloween