The Science of Superstition: Why Our Brains Believe in Magic

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The Science of Superstition: Why Our Brains Believe in Magic

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About this listen

This Halloween, 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

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

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