Published Oct 27, 2015

Episode 6: The Science of Fear

Shankar Vedantam delves into the fascinating science of fear, analyzing its impact on decision-making, physiological responses, and interpersonal bonds through both evolutionary and experimental lenses, including intriguing haunted house experiences that highlight fear's surprising benefits.

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

Episode Highlights

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Dexa/Shankar Vedantam

Episode 6: The Science of Fear

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Whipped Cream Predictions

Fear and Safety

Science of Fear

Haunted House Experience

Decision-Making Under Pressure

Fear and Data

Fear and Thrill

Fear and Disorientation

Fear and Connection

Value of Appreciation

Episode Highlights

Decision-Making Under Pressure

Science of Fear

Haunted House Experiences

Related Episodes

Fear Less

The Curious Science of Cravings

Afraid of the Wrong Things

Episode 36: Science of Deception

Episode 35: Creature Comforts

How Monsters are Made

We're All Gonna Die!

Facts Aren't Enough

The Psychology of Self-Doubt

A Better Way to Worry

Spoiler Alert!

Why We Love Surprises

Episode 43: The Perils of Power

The Mystery of Beauty

Creatures Of Habit

Episode 6: The Science of Fear

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Decision-Making Under PressureFear's ability to cloud judgment and alter cognitive processes is explored through experiments and real-life examples. The discussion highlights how fear can lead to snap decisions and why our brains are wired to react to immediate threats.

Decision-Making Under Pressure

Science of FearThe exploration of fear reveals the intricate ways our bodies and minds react to perceived threats. Shankar Vedantam and Maggie Penman investigate how evolutionary processes and physiological responses shape our experiences of fear.

Science of Fear

Haunted House ExperiencesShankar Vedantam explores the science behind fear by examining haunted house experiments. He reveals how fear can bond people and even improve mood for some individuals.

Haunted House Experiences

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