Decoding the Gurus Decoding Academia 32: Do Babies REALLY like good guys?
Feb 20, 2025
Matt and Chris dive into a fascinating study exploring whether babies prefer nice people over mean ones. They hilariously recount encounters with crocodiles and share amusing swimming stories, blending humor with academic insight. The discussion highlights challenges in developmental psychology, like the difficulties of studying infants and the importance of rigorous research. The hosts also tackle ethical concerns in academic practices, emphasizing transparency and integrity in research. Expect a mix of laughter and learning!
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Crocodile Encounter
- Matt Brown narrowly escaped a crocodile attack while swimming.
- His wife informed him of a four-meter crocodile sighting at the same beach.
Crocodile Behavior
- Crocodiles are apex predators, growing larger due to lack of hunting and eating smaller crocodiles.
- Global warming contributes to their southward expansion.
Infant Social Evaluation Study
- The podcast discusses a 2025 paper replicating a 2007 study on infant social evaluation.
- The study examines if infants prefer characters who help others versus those who hinder.
