Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Boston College


More is less in novel electronic material

Scientists at Boston College have discovered negative electronic compressibility (NEC) in a three-dimensional material, iridium oxide. Adding electrons to the system effectively shrinks its size, a phenomenon previously only observed in two-dimensional materials.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 27, 2015

A call to US educators: Learn from Canada

Canada's Province of Ontario has implemented successful education reform initiatives through cooperation and experimentation, with an emphasis on inclusivity. Key findings include the importance of feedback from diverse stakeholders, inclusive policies for native peoples, and addressing out-of-school problems.

College rankings go under the microscope

Education researchers say college rankings may be doing more harm than good, with institutions criticizing their methods and influence on choice trends. Experts are proposing a research agenda to better understand rankings methodologies and their impact on consumers and institutions.

Protecting students from homophobic bullying

A new study found that students are more likely to intervene and defend a fellow student based on values of altruism, leadership, courage, having LGBT friends, and beliefs in justice. With up to 28% of LGBT students reporting threats or injuries at school, the findings can help shape new programs to make schools safer.

A scientific look at the art of teacher talk

A new study finds that teachers' conversational art of instruction can measurably influence literacy skills. Measured, positive feedback is shown to improve student performance, while talking around standardized test questions and failing to cultivate class-wide discussions have a negative effect.

Assessing feedback interactions in a creative setting

Researchers found that successful feedback involves sharing incomplete work, constructive two-way conversations, and a desire to understand the process. Critical is a conversation between worker and feedback provider who are receptive to help and have done their homework.

SourceBoston College·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateMar 11, 2015

Peer problem solving leads to operational efficiency

A new study reveals that peer-to-peer problem solving can lessen the need for firms to contact their supplier for traditional customer support services. By leveraging collective knowledge and wisdom of customer communities, firms can conserve time and resources associated with traditional support services.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Service Research·DateJun 25, 2014

Study finds minimum payment warnings nudge credit card payments up AND down

A study by Boston College Marketing Professor Linda Salisbury found that minimum payment warnings had little impact on repayment decisions, but showing a three-year payoff time frame with accompanying lower interest costs led to both positive and negative effects. Some consumers were encouraged to pay more, while others were nudged tow...

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateJun 23, 2014

Deciding when 'not' to maximize profits

A new study reveals that corporate bosses selectively intervene in subsidiary decisions to prevent competitive spillovers and maintain a 'go along to get along' cooperative attitude. This approach restricts growth in certain businesses within the corporation, ultimately benefiting rivals at the expense of consumers.

SourceBoston College·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·DateOct 23, 2013

What people don't get about my job

A new study by Boston College researchers highlights the impact of image discrepancies on professionals' job satisfaction and pay. The study found that four high-demand professions - architects, nurse practitioners, litigation attorneys, and certified public accountants - face significant challenges when clients fail to grasp their roles.

SourceBoston College·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateSep 19, 2013

A new form of carbon: Grossly warped 'nanographene'

Researchers at Boston College and Nagoya University have synthesized the first example of a new form of carbon, grossly warped graphene, which alters its physical, optical and electronic properties. The new material consists of multiple identical pieces of warped graphene with exactly 80 carbon atoms joined together in a network of 26 ...

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 15, 2013

Study: Empathy plays a key role in moral judgments

Researchers discover that moral judgment is associated with feelings of warmth and compassion towards someone in distress, specifically reduced empathic concern in utilitarian responders. The study shows that empathy is not the primary driver of moral decision-making, but rather a diminished emotional response.

SourceBoston College·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 22, 2013

The impact of consumption goals on flat-rate choice

A recent study published in the Journal of Service Research found that 'hedonizing' a service can increase customers' propensity to choose a flat rate. Researchers discovered that companies can improve customer spending patterns by making services more enjoyable, without negatively affecting willingness to pay.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Service Research·DateMay 8, 2013

Sustainable new catalysts fueled by a single proton

A Boston College research team has designed novel small-molecule catalysts triggered by a single proton, enabling efficient and selective fine chemical synthesis. The catalysts, derived from abundant amino acid valine, promote reactions at room temperature with minimal waste generation.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature·DateFeb 13, 2013

'Moral realism' may lead to better moral behavior

A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that priming participants with a belief in moral realism led to increased charitable donations, suggesting that considering objective moral facts can motivate people to behave better.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJan 29, 2013