Cognitive Science : From Neuroscience to Education

Emphasising the emotional benefits of exercise is more effective at increasing levels of physical activity than highlighting traditional health benefits. This is the finding of research published online today, 17th February 2010, in the British Journal of Health Psychology.

Some teens received text messages that highlighted either the emotional benefits of exercise - such as 'Physical activity can make you feel cheerful. What activity will you do today?' , a second group received texts that highlighted the physical benefits, such as - 'Physical activity can keep your heart healthy. What activity will you do today?'

Lacking Control Increases Illusory Pattern Perception

Lacking control is highly aversive, so we instinctive­ly seek out patterns to regain control—even if those patterns are illusory.

The sense of control had the apparent effect on physical health and well-being.

It is a common belief that having more options is better, and that people tend to go to stores that provide them with more choices. However, a new study in the journal Psychology & Marketing reveals that when people cannot easily determine which option is preferable, they are more likely to leave the store empty-handed.

tend to be more persuaded by abstract messages when the choice is far in the future, and by concrete messages when the choice is in the near future