Why do some people seem naturally kind or generous? Professor Luke Smillie breaks down personality traits like empathy, honesty and compassion – and how they shape behaviour. Tune into this thoughtful discussion about the ‘prosocial personality’ and discover whether people can become more altruistic over time. 

Why do some people seem naturally kind or generous? Professor Luke Smillie breaks down personality traits like empathy, honesty and compassion &ndash; and how they shape behaviour. Tune into this thoughtful discussion about the &lsquo;prosocial personality&rsquo; and discover whether people can become more altruistic over time.&nbsp;

This is PsychTalks: a podcast that deep dives into groundbreaking research in psychology. Hear psychology and neuroscience experts unpack how our minds work – and discover how these insights can enrich your own life and help others. Made by the University of Melbourne’s School of Psychological Sciences.

 

This is PsychTalks: a podcast that deep dives into groundbreaking research in psychology. Hear psychology and neuroscience experts unpack how our minds work &ndash; and discover how these insights can enrich your own life and help others. Made by the University of Melbourne&rsquo;s School of Psychological Sciences.
&nbsp;

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PsychTalks

Are some people just nicer?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/8450f03c-225d-47a0-ac01-ae84000e0c16/clips/3794ceb1-11ac-450c-8490-b31d00237427/transcript

We like to think we’re fair. But what if our minds and our machines don’t always agree?

In this special bonus episode of PsychTalks, hosts Professor Nick Haslam and Associate Professor Cassie Hayward are joined by Professor Mahzarin Banaji (Harvard University), one of the world’s leading researchers on implicit bias.

Drawing on decades of research across psychology, neuroscience and artificial intelligence, Professor Banaji explains how bias can shape judgments and decisions without our awareness – even when we genuinely value fairness and accuracy. She explores how these hidden processes affect everyday life, social institutions and the technologies we are increasingly relying on.

Recorded during Professor Banaji’s visit to the University of Melbourne as a Miegunyah Distinguished Visiting Fellow, this conversation asks what it really means to take responsibility for bias and how a clearer understanding of the human mind might help us build a more just and accountable world.

We like to think we&rsquo;re fair. But what if our minds and our machines don&rsquo;t always agree?
In this special bonus episode of PsychTalks, hosts Professor Nick Haslam and Associate Professor Cassie Hayward are joined by Professor Mahzarin Banaji (Harvard University), one of the world&rsquo;s leading researchers on implicit bias.
Drawing on decades of research across psychology, neuroscience and artificial intelligence, Professor Banaji explains how bias can shape judgments and decisions without our awareness &ndash;&nbsp;even when we genuinely value fairness and accuracy. She explores how these hidden processes affect everyday life, social institutions and the technologies we are increasingly relying on.
Recorded during Professor Banaji&rsquo;s visit to the University of Melbourne as a Miegunyah Distinguished Visiting Fellow, this conversation asks what it really means to take responsibility for bias and how a clearer understanding of the human mind might help us build a more just and accountable world.

Hidden biases in humans and machines: Can we really be fair?

We said the season was over – but when the chance to sit down with Professor Alison Gopnik comes along, you make an exception. In this bonus episode, we’re delighted to welcome one of the world’s most influential developmental psychologists for an extended conversation on how our minds grow and change over the lifespan.

Drawing on her work on children as “little scientists,” the explore–exploit dilemma and her gardener-versus-carpenter model of parenting, Alison reflects on why play, risk and exploration matter so much in childhood. We also explore caregiving as a form of intelligence – one that becomes increasingly important in later life – and what elders, grandparents and even orcas can teach us about care, culture and human flourishing.

We said the season was over &ndash; but when the chance to sit down with Professor Alison Gopnik comes along, you make an exception. In this bonus episode, we&rsquo;re delighted to welcome one of the world&rsquo;s most influential developmental psychologists for an extended conversation on how our minds grow and change over the lifespan.
Drawing on her work on children as &ldquo;little scientists,&rdquo; the explore&ndash;exploit dilemma and her gardener-versus-carpenter model of parenting, Alison reflects on why play, risk and exploration matter so much in childhood. We also explore caregiving as a form of intelligence &ndash; one that becomes increasingly important in later life &ndash; and what elders, grandparents and even orcas can teach us about care, culture and human flourishing.

Do we ever stop being curious?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/8450f03c-225d-47a0-ac01-ae84000e0c16/clips/38525a45-fef9-42bb-bf24-b3b601769e5e/transcript

Are we really making healthy choices for our children in the supermarket? Or are we being nudged by bright colours, on-pack claims and fruit-filled imagery?

Associate Professor Helen Dixon and Jane Martin unpack the psychology, policy and packaging that influence what ends up in our shopping trolleys. They highlight the subtle strategies used to market commercial infant and toddler foods, and discuss what can be done to support parents in making informed choices.
Kids are Sweet Enough (Food for Health Alliance)

Are we really making healthy choices for our children in the supermarket? Or are we being nudged by bright colours, on-pack claims and fruit-filled imagery?
<a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/8913-helen-dixon">Associate Professor Helen Dixon</a> and <a href="https://www.cancer.org.au/people/jane-martin">Jane Martin</a> unpack the psychology, policy and packaging that influence what ends up in our shopping trolleys. They highlight the subtle strategies used to market commercial infant and toddler foods, and discuss what can be done to support parents in making informed choices.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.foodforhealthalliance.org.au/campaigns/kids-are-sweet-enough">Kids are Sweet Enough (Food for Health Alliance)</a></li>
</ul>

Shelf deception: How does marketing on packaged foods influence us?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/8450f03c-225d-47a0-ac01-ae84000e0c16/clips/ba8e41ba-8939-474d-8c70-b3750187c9b0/transcript

Are some people just nicer?

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