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Universidad Carlos III de Madrid


Using social networks for mobilization has its limits

A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences demonstrates that social networks like Twitter and Facebook can coordinate people during critical situations. However, the strategy's success is highly dependent on the users' ability to quickly disseminate information and have a large number of social links.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 8, 2013

The fragility of the welfare state

An experimental study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid found that income redistribution in the welfare state is not based on a consensus to relieve misfortune, but rather due to fear of unequal treatment. The researchers concluded that the social contract supporting the welfare state is fragile and lacks a Hobbesian element.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalExperimental Economics·DateNov 19, 2012

Happiness at work depends on a good salary, but also on how much colleagues earn

A recent UC3M study suggests that relative earnings affect job performance and happiness. When comparing oneself to peers who earn more, individuals tend to be unhappier and work longer hours. The researcher attributes this effect to social comparisons, highlighting the importance of considering colleague earnings when setting salaries.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalJournal of Population Economics·DateOct 2, 2012

Individuals cooperate according to their emotional state and their prior experiences

Researchers found that individuals prioritize reciprocity over network structure when deciding to cooperate. This challenges traditional theories on cooperation among individuals. The study, published in PNAS, used a social conflict prototype called the Prisoner's Dilemma and involved 1,200 Aragon secondary students.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2012

Decisions are taken more democratically with a higher percentage of women in management positions

A study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid found that workplaces with a high percentage of women in management positions adopt more individualized employee feedback, democratic decisions, and establish more interpersonal channels of communication. This is attributed to the distinct behavior of men and women leaders in society.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateMar 21, 2012

A study analyzes emotions in software engineering

A study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid's Computer Science Department investigates emotions' importance in software engineering, focusing on requirements engineering. The researchers applied a social psychology tool, the affect grid, to discover that emotions impact requirements development and user experience.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalJUCS - Journal of Universal Computer Science·DateFeb 13, 2012

A study analyzes the role of universities and technology institutes in firm innovation

The study found that technology centers and universities have different types of clients among the business sector, with universities collaborating with larger firms and technology institutes working with smaller companies. The research also highlights the importance of complementary relationships between these institutions to foster i...

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalEuropean Planning Studies·DateJun 6, 2011

Species are to ecosystems as cells are to the human body, according to a mathematical model

A mathematical model developed by scientists shows that ecosystems remain relatively stable despite constant changes in species populations, highlighting the ecosystem's role as a self-contained entity. This finding suggests that preserving entire ecosystems may be more crucial than protecting specific endangered species.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateMay 16, 2011

A research study reveals deterioration in Mediterranean farmland patrimony

A research study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid finds that traditionally irrigated Mediterranean landscape has suffered loss of cultural and ecological patrimony due to modernization. The study highlights the need for multifunctionality in hydraulic policy and conservation efforts to preserve these valuable landscapes.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalScripta Nova Revista Electrónica de Geografía y Ciencias Sociales·DateFeb 28, 2011

Total cooperation among people is not viable

Researchers found that people can be categorized into different types based on their cooperation behavior, with around 5% always helping, 35% never helping, and 60% cooperating depending on circumstances. The study suggests that economic incentives are not the primary driver of cooperation, but rather individual motivations and behaviors.