PSYCHOLOGY Journal:

Source of Article: ScientificAmerican.com; David Dobbs
Title: The Hormone that helps you read minds: Sciam Observations
Date: 9/6/07

(1) The hormone, oxytocin, is what gives us intuition or the ability to “mind-read” others. Oxytocin is produced in the brain; it influences the activity of other parts of the brain. According to the researches that have been done, it is an important factor in behaviors and social memory (the ability to recognize another).

(2) In my opinion, the research process they do is interesting. Despite the chemicals they are putting into the test subjects (which are humans), the process doesn’t affect or harm the body. The process is ethical since it is doing no harm, and nothing revealing is shown during it. The only weakness is the possibility for someone to have autism – they have difficulty in identifying emotions from a facial expression. However, researchers also state that the syndrome can be treated by using oxytocin.

(3) More research concerning other species that have a high amount of oxytocin, and those that do not. Also more research on how a person gains a high amount of oxytocin – is it genetic?

(4) When I saw the article, I became curious. I never thought there would be a reason for “mind-reading” and intuition. Truthfully, I never really believed in such things. However, after reading the article, I began to wonder…