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University of Georgia


Racial stereotypes vary in digital interactions

A recent study found that Black bots were perceived as more competent and human than their White and Asian counterparts in digital interactions. This challenges past research on human-to-human interactions and highlights the importance of understanding how racial stereotypes interact with artificial intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateFeb 23, 2023

The relationship between ghosting and closure

A recent study found nearly two-thirds of participants have ghosted someone, and individuals with a high need for closure reported even lower needs satisfaction after being ghosted. On the other hand, those who wanted closure felt more positive when recalled times they were acknowledged by their partner.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateFeb 13, 2023

Researchers focus AI on finding exoplanets

New research from the University of Georgia reveals that artificial intelligence can be used to find planets outside our solar system. Machine learning can analyze environments where planets are still forming, helping scientists overcome difficulties such as distance and data thickness.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateFeb 7, 2023

Enforcement key to mandatory voting

A new study by University of Georgia researcher Shane Singh found that mandatory voting laws increase voter turnout when enforced, not the severity of the law. Turnout can increase by nearly 20 points with credible sanctions, compared to 8-10 points without them.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPolitical Science Research and Methods·DateJan 24, 2023

Planning for retirement? Good luck finding advice

Researchers found that approximately 10% of Americans live in areas with limited access to financial planners, leading to worse financial planning and future financial health. Education and expanded resources can improve financial planning and better retirement preparedness.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Bank Marketing·DateDec 13, 2022

Low to moderate stress is good for you

A new study found that low to moderate levels of stress improve working memory and brain function, allowing individuals to optimize cognitive performance. In contrast, chronic high-stress levels can lead to changes in brain structure and increased susceptibility to illnesses like heart disease and high blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateNov 22, 2022

Diverse landscapes at the heart of bee conservation

Researchers found that small amounts of development can positively impact bee species in a given area, revealing the importance of forest remnants and blended landscapes. The study discovered 111 species, representing 20% of known Georgia bee species, and provided a framework for future research to assist in bee conservation.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Insect Conservation·DateSep 27, 2022

Correcting peers is key in small-group learning

New research from the University of Georgia suggests that students who understand their strengths and weaknesses and are willing to ask for clarification and correct misinformation in small groups are more successful. The study identified seven types of metacognitive statements or questions associated with higher-quality reasoning.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalCBE—Life Sciences Education·DateSep 26, 2022

Did my computer say it best?

A study from the University of Georgia shows people who rely on algorithms for creative tasks don't improve their performance and are more likely to trust low-quality advice. Participants preferred algorithm-derived advice over human-based advice, even when confident in their answers.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 20, 2022

The way you talk to your child about math matters

A new study by the University of Georgia found that praising children's personal traits or innate abilities can dampen their math motivation and achievement over time. Parents who focus on strategy use and effort tend to give more process-oriented responses, which are linked to better math adjustment in children.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalChild Development·DateSep 7, 2022

Georgians in 71 counties don’t have methadone clinic access within a 15-minute drive

A new study from the University of Georgia found that four out of five counties with the highest opioid overdose death rates do not have a methadone clinic accessible within a 15-minute drive. Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) may offer a possible solution to improving access to opioid treatment programs in rural communities.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateAug 22, 2022

Age may rival politics in COVID-19 vaccine debate

A new study from the University of Georgia suggests that age and risk perception have a significant impact on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance, surpassing political ideology. Older adults (50+) are more likely to consider themselves at risk for severe illness and are universally vaccinated, particularly above 75 years old.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Strategic Communication·DateJul 5, 2022

New flood maps clarify the risk homeowners face

A new approach to developing flood maps uses confidence intervals to capture the uncertainty in flood predictions, providing a more realistic depiction of flood zones. This simplified method is more accessible and cost-effective than traditional methods, producing acceptable results with less effort and lower costs.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalWater·DateJun 30, 2022

Scavengers can be picky eaters

Vertebrate scavengers prefer to dine on the carcasses of herbivores like mallard ducks and chickens, rather than higher-trophic-level vulture remains. This study found that avian and mammal scavengers only consumed a small portion of the vulture carcasses, highlighting the complexity of nutrient cycling through food webs.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalFood Webs·DateMay 24, 2022

How social media posts could affect credit scores

Alternative credit scoring systems present challenges not covered by existing regulations, leaving many Americans unable to access the credit system. These systems can be opaque and ripe for abusive lending practices, making it difficult for consumers to contest erroneous information.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAmerican Business Law Journal·DateMay 17, 2022

One-sport high school athletes prone to injury, burnout

New research from the University of Georgia suggests that high school students who focus on one sport are more likely to get injured or suffer from burnout. The study found that over 42% of athletes reported a small level of specialization in one sport, while nearly one in five reported a high level of specialization.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMay 2, 2022

What makes an a--hole an a—hole?

A study from the University of Georgia suggests that middle-aged men are commonly perceived as manipulative, aggressive and entitled targets of insults. The research also found that most people believe these individuals are aware of their behavior's impact but don't care enough to change.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalCollabra Psychology·DateApr 12, 2022

Chatbots deployed in response to COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers analyzed 61 COVID-specific chatbots in 30 countries, finding common uses such as risk assessment, symptom data collection, and appointment scheduling. They also discovered that anonymity of user interactions varies across cultures, affecting the effectiveness of follow-up services.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateApr 5, 2022

Active video games provide alternative workout

A study from the University of Georgia shows that exergaming can increase satisfaction and autonomy in exercise, leading to increased physical activity and motivation. The research followed participants who were randomly assigned to either exergame or traditional aerobics classes for six weeks.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology·DateMar 22, 2022