Recent research by three New York University faculty suggests political leanings are linked to brain biology. In this special event they discuss emotion s impact on learning and memory, how liberals and conservatives may handle mental conflict differently, and if there is a psychological basis for political ideology.

Sergio Leone s The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) movie evoked similar responses across all viewers in about 45 percent of the cortex during movie watching.
Sergio Leone s The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) movie evoked similar responses across all viewers in about 45 percent of the cortex during movie watching.

Do your political decisions reflect conscious, reasoned choices-or are you liberal or conservative based on your neural circuitry? Recent research by three New York University faculty suggests political leanings are linked to brain biology. In this special event they discuss emotion’s impact on learning and memory, how liberals and conservatives may handle mental conflict differently, and if there is a psychological basis for political ideology.

  • WHAT: “The Neuroscience of Elections and Human Decision-Making: Find Out What Really Rocks Your Vote”
  • WHO: Elizabeth Phelps, Professor of Psychology, NYU; David Amodio, Associate Professor of Psychology, NYU; John Jost, Professor of Psychology, NYU
  • WHEN: Wednesday, September 17, 7-9 p.m.
  • WHERE: NYU’s Woolworth Building; 15 Barclay Street (between Broadway and Church St.); Subway: J, M, Z to Chambers St; 4, 5, 6 to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall.

REGISTER: Cost is $20 ($10 for NYAS members, and NYU students, faculty, and staff, who must please register as “non-member student” to get discount).

To register, go to www.scps.nyu.edu/science or call (212) 998-7171.

The event is the first of three on the role of neuroscience in everyday life. The series is co-sponsored by NYU’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies, the New York Academy of Sciences, and the Office of the Dean of Sciences at NYU.

The other events in the series are: “Kluge: The Haphazard Construction of the Human Mind” (Thurs., Oct. 23, 7-9 p.m., The Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue [between 11th and 12th Streets]) and “Fearful Brains in an Anxious World,” (Tues., Nov. 11, 7-9 p.m., New York Academy of Sciences, 7 World Trade Center).

MEDIA ONLY: Reporters interested in attending must RSVP to James Devitt at 212.998.6808 or james.devitt@nyu.edu, or Ken Brown at 212.998.9119 or ken.brown@nyu.edu.

Press Contact

Ken Brown
Ken Brown
(212) 998-9119