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Study shows growing gap between teens' materialism and desire to work hard

Researchers found a growing gap between materialism and the desire to work hard among recent high school graduates. Materialism peaked in the 80s and 90s with Generation X, but has continued to stay high. In contrast, work ethic declined, with 39% of students admitting they didn't want to work hard in 2005-07 compared to 25% in 1976-78.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMay 1, 2013

GPA may be contagious in high-school social networks

A study published in PLOS ONE found that high school students whose friends had higher GPAs were more likely to increase their own scores over time. The researchers also discovered that social connections with weaker academic performers could lead to decreased grades.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 13, 2013

Want to get teens interested in math and science? Target their parents

A new study published in Psychological Science found that parental involvement can significantly increase the number of students enrolled in STEM courses. The intervention involved sending parents glossy brochures and a dedicated website to promote STEM education, resulting in more advanced math and science classes taken by participati...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 11, 2012

Changing the face of science

The Science Posse program, developed by Brandeis professor Irv Epstein, recruits and trains underrepresented students for college-level science. The program has seen significant success, with all currently enrolled students planning to major in science and many attending prestigious summer research programs.

Run! It's the student council president

A new study from Temple University graduate student Maureen Dzanis found that extracurricular activity participants, particularly student council presidents and glee club members, are more likely to experience bullying in urban schools. The research surveyed 1,203 students and explored the role of program quality on violence.

Why do high school seniors drink?

A new study identifies four major motivators for high school senior drinking: experimentation, thrill-seeking, relaxation, and coping with life issues. Students who drink for these reasons show the heaviest and most problematic drinking behaviors, according to the study published in Prevention Science.

SourceSociety for Prevention Research·JournalPrevention Science·DateDec 4, 2007