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BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

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The Human Zoo

Factual: Science & Nature

Series 4

Exploring the foibles, quirks and behaviour of that most fascinating of species - us

The Human Zoo explores the foibles, quirks and behaviour of that most fascinating of species - us

The Human Zoo: Series 8

The Human Zoo: Series 8: Episode 8: The Olympics: Why We're Hardwired To Watch

Episode 8

Episode 8: The Olympics: Why We're Hardwired To Watch

Series 8

The Olympics: Why We're Hardwired To Watch

BBC Radio 4 - The Human Zoo, Series 8, The Olympics: Why We're Hardwired To Watch

Michael Blastland explores the quirky ways in which we think, behave and make decisions.

Michael Blastland investigates the psychology of being a sports spectator. Even if you're not watching the Rio Games, you might be curious why so many do.

The series that looks at current events through the lens of psychology. Michael Blastland explores the quirky ways in which we humans think, behave and make decisions.

In this programme, the Zoo team are watching people, who are watching people, who are often as not going round in circles. And trying to work out what it is in the mind that makes that so compelling. 

It's time for the Olympics, and we're investigating the psychology of being a sports spectator. Even if you're not watching the Rio Games, you might be curious why so many do. 

Is it an animal impulse to display and enjoy watching physical skills? An instinct to compete, to tell stories? Are we drawn to the drama of the spectacle, the unknown result? Or is it a vicarious pleasure, imagining yourself at the starting block?

Michael Blastland is joined by resident Zoo psychologist Nick Chater, Professor of Behavioural Science at Warwick Business School and roving reporter Timandra Harkness.

Guests this week include sports commentator Alison Mitchell, former sports reporter Lynne Truss, Daniel Glaser from King's College London, philosopher George Papineau, and motorsport presenter Gareth Jones. 

Producer: Eve Streeter
A Pier production for BBC Radio 4.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Michael Blastland explores how humans think, behave and make decisions

Michael Blastland presents the series that explores how humans think, behave and make decisions

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The Human Zoo

Series 8

Episode 8: The Olympics: Why We're Hardwired To Watch

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