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University of Chicago Press Journals


Study challenges belief that tree frogs depress metabolic rate after 'waxing' themselves

Researchers found that waxed and inactive tree frogs have similar metabolic rates as unwaxed, dehydrating frogs, challenging the idea of a hibernation-like dormant state. Tree frogs use wiping behaviors to conserve energy by reducing surface evaporation by up to 4%, but this does not lead to significant changes in metabolic rate.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateOct 16, 2006

Fair price hikes vs. unfair price hikes

A new study from the University of Chicago Press Journals reveals that consumers perceive price hikes differently for material goods and services. Consumers consider fair price increases when costs associated with production or provision increase, but not when service costs and vendor profits are linked.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 9, 2006

Worker ants store fat to share with colony members during times of need

A study by Daniel A. Hahn found that worker ants in desert carpenter ant colonies store more fat per unit lean mass than lighter ants, leading to a greater proportion of soldiers being stored. This difference in individual-level storage tactics contributes to between-species differences in behavioral development and motivation.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology·DateJul 26, 2006

You argue when you care

A new study from the Journal of Consumer Research explains why loyal customers get defensive when their brands are criticized. Highly committed consumers produce more counterarguments in response to criticism as a way to reduce cognitive discomfort and negative arousal.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 17, 2006

Illicit trade led to modern globalization

A study by Emily Erikson and Peter Bearman found that private trade using company resources in the East India Trading Company contributed to the emergence of modern capitalist markets. The researchers analyzed data from 4,572 voyages between 1601 and 1833, revealing how captains and seamen used their cargo holds to sustain illicit trad...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateJul 17, 2006

Our brand is better than their brand

A new study by Anne Roggeveen, Dhruv Grewal, and Gerry Gotlieb found that positive framing in comparative ads encourages consumers to thoroughly analyze message cues. In contrast, negative framing leads to biased thinking and a focus on extrinsic cues rather than objective measures like price.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMay 8, 2006

Does father know best?

A study by Kermyt G. Anderson investigated the correlation between men's perceptions of fatherhood and actual paternity rates worldwide. The results show that men with high paternity confidence are indeed the biological fathers over 98% of the time, while those with low confidence are incorrect in more than 70% of cases.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateApr 17, 2006