Welcome to our latest newsletter.

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In this newsletter we look at how different voices make different impressions. 

At a study that compares how chatbots can be better at co-operation than humans.

We share the science of waiting. And of rage at work.

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Every so often we use our Monkey Business newsletter to share useful nuggets, opinions, and findings as food for thought. Sign up here.

Why We Loathe the Limbo: Unveiling the Science of Impatience

Ever wondered why the minutes tick by like hours in a queue, while social media swallows our time whole? A recent study by the University of Chicago offers a glimpse into the mind of the frustrated waiter. It turns out, our impatience stems from our deep-seated desire for closure.

The study found that individuals are willing to pay a premium to avoid the purgatory of waiting. Participants opted to work 15% more upfront to avoid an equivalent amount of work later, highlighting the psychological reward of getting things done. This aligns with our everyday experiences – we often choose to tackle a tedious chore in one go rather than face the looming dread of its unfinished form.

But wait, there's more! The study also revealed that our tolerance for waiting thins as the finish line approaches. Imagine the frustration of watching the bus inch closer, only to be joined by a horde of fellow commuters at the last stop. This phenomenon applies to both positive and negative situations, amplifying our anticipation for everything from exam results to the final slice of pizza.

A little knowledge about the psychology of patience can go a long way in keeping customers content.

Photo by Quốc Bảo

AI's Altruistic Advantage: Chatbots Outperform Humans in Cooperation

Work by the University of Michigan has shed light on a surprising truth: AI chatbots may be better teammates than we are. The researchers devised a "behavioral" Turing test, pitting AI chatbots against 108,000 humans in psychological surveys and games designed to assess cooperation and altruism.

The results were striking: AI chatbots consistently displayed greater cooperation and altruism than their human counterparts. This finding suggests that AI may be particularly well-suited for tasks requiring collaboration, negotiation, and even caregiving.

However, before we start handing out Nobel Peace Prizes to our chatbots, it's important to remember the limitations of the study. The researchers acknowledge the need for further research to ensure AI's cooperative tendencies align with the diverse spectrum of human values.

Nevertheless, the study offers a fascinating glimpse into the potential of AI for fostering cooperation and positive social interactions. As AI continues to evolve, understanding its inherent biases and tailoring its responses to reflect human values will be crucial in improving its efficacy.

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

Furious and Frustrated? The Science of Rage at Work

Conventional wisdom suggests that a well-timed outburst may be a power move, propelling you up the corporate ladder, or gaining respect and attention.

However, a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology throws cold water on this fiery notion. Researchers found that expressing anger in the workplace has a counterproductive impact.

The study involved a series of experiments where participants evaluated individuals who expressed anger in various work-related scenarios. The results were clear and consistent: across the board, participants viewed angry individuals as less competent and less deserving of leadership positions. This negative perception held true regardless of the gender of the angry individual.

The science suggests that true power lies in composure, not combustion.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Speak Easy, Friend: How Voice Pitch Shapes First Impressions

The psychology of feedback is far more intricate than one might initially assume. While Ever wondered why someone's voice instantly rubs you the wrong way, or makes them seem trustworthy? A recent study by Washington University suggests your voice pitch might be playing a bigger role in first impressions than you think.

The research found that people with lower-pitched voices were perceived as more dominant, competent, and trustworthy by strangers. However, these individuals were also judged as less friendly and approachable. Interestingly, these perceptions were independent of the speaker's actual personality.

While the study doesn't delve into the underlying mechanisms, it highlights the fascinating link between vocal cues and how we perceive others. It raises questions about the potential evolutionary basis of these associations and their impact on social interactions.

A voice might be saying more than just words. It could be subtly shaping initial impressions, even before uttering a single word.

Photo by Arindam Rahat

As ever, if there's anything we can help with, do get in touch.

James, Patrick and Dan

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We practically apply the science of the human mind for hard, commercial results 

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