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Union College


Who believes in conspiracies? New research offers a theory

New research by Josh Hart suggests that people with suspicious, untrusting, and eccentric personalities are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories. The study found that these individuals tend to be more receptive to meaningful patterns where none exist and have a tendency to detect hidden forces at play.

SourceUnion College·JournalJournal of Individual Differences·DateSep 25, 2018

Professor Andrew Morris wins NEH fellowship

Andrew Morris will continue his work on a book about Hurricane Camille and its impact on American disaster relief policy using the NEH fellowship. The book examines the transformation of disaster assistance programs in the US following the devastating Category 5 storm in 1969.

Does a 'triple package' of traits predict success?

A new study by Union College psychology professors Joshua Hart and Christopher Chabris found that a 'triple package' of traits, including intelligence, conscientiousness, and economic advantage, are more likely to predict success than previously thought, contradicting Amy Chua's theory.

SourceUnion College·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateApr 20, 2016

I want her to want me: Where men, sex and personality meet

A new study suggests that a man's attachment style may influence his perceptions of whether a woman is interested in him sexually. Men with higher attachment anxiety tend to imagine women as more interested, while those with higher attachment avoidance see themselves as less flirty.

SourceUnion College·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateFeb 11, 2016

Feeling unloved? Like this post

A new study finds that individuals with attachment anxiety use Facebook frequently to seek feedback and reassurance, while extraverted users engage on the platform for different reasons. The research highlights the importance of personality in shaping social media engagement.

SourceUnion College·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateFeb 9, 2015

How the negative trumps the positive in politics

A recent study by George Bizer and colleagues found that negatively framed political attitudes are stronger than positively framed attitudes, particularly when people process the messages deeply. This effect is strengthened when people think more deeply about the issues involved.

SourceUnion College·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·DateNov 1, 2012