Welcome to Episode 12, where JAY VAN BAVEL and I discuss the effect of moralizing language on political debates, how scientists--how we all--use social media to settle disputes, and how a kid from Fox Creek, Alberta manages to become a renowned social scientist at New York University. Jay is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Neural Science at New York University and an affiliate scholar at the Stern School of Business, in their Managment and Organizations program. Jay's work on group identity, social motivation, moral values, and political beliefs have rocketed him to the national spotlight as one of social science's most influential young scholars. Jay's work and perspective has increasingly seen him working with, and for, such popular outlets as Scientific American and the New York Times. Interested in learning more about Jay Van Bavel’s work? Check out some of these links:

• Jay Van Bavel on Twitter
• The Flexibility of Racial Bias (with Mina Cikara)
• Twitter’s Passion Politics

* * * As always, remember that this podcast is brought to you by VQR and the Center for Media and Citizenship. Plus, we're a member of the TEEJ.FM podcast network. AND... The music of CIRCLE OF WILLIS was composed and performed by Tom Stauffer, Gene Ruley and their band THE NEW DRAKES. You can purchase this music at their Amazon page.