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Crazed by consumption!

Researchers Adam Duhachek analyzed two studies on consumer stress, creating a multidimensional scale to measure coping mechanisms. He found that consumers employ various strategies to cope with stress, including avoiding purchases, seeking social support, and using relaxation techniques.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 2, 2005

Robots that act like rats

Researchers built robots with sensors and programming similar to rat pups' basic senses and motor skills. The robots showed a new behavior in an arena, favoring one wall over another, displaying emergent behavior. Understanding this simple system's biology may inform the design of more sophisticated robots.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAdaptive Behavior·DateFeb 14, 2005

Heavy smokers see cigarettes as 'friends'

A study of 51 heavy smokers found that over 90% believed quitting was more threatening than the dangers of smoking. Many smokers feel angry and see themselves as victims who have been duped into smoking. The study also revealed that social pressures, stress relief, and fear of withdrawal symptoms hindered their ability to quit.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJan 14, 2004

Abilities required for success in school don't differ greatly from those required in the real world

A meta-analysis of 127 studies found that a single cognitive ability test, the Miller Analogies Test, can predict performance in both academic and work environments. The researchers found strong validity for the test across various measures of graduate student performance, job performance, potential, and creativity.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 11, 2004

Self-management improves course of low back pain

A self-management program improved mental and physical functioning in low-income adults with low back pain. The study, funded by the NIH and VA, showed empowering individuals to deal with their pain through exercise and behavior changes significantly reduced symptoms.

SourceIndiana University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 2, 2003

Fetus heart races when mom reads poetry

A recent study published in Psychological Science reveals that fetuses can recognize their mother's voice before birth and prefer it after delivery. The research found that fetuses responded differently to their own mother's voice versus a stranger's, suggesting they were learning about language in the womb.

SourceQueen's University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 12, 2003

Students may be learning more about avoidance strategies than arithmetic in math class

A new study found that classrooms where students used fewer avoidance strategies were more likely to have teachers who emphasized understanding, effort, and enjoyment. Teachers in these 'mastery-oriented' classrooms helped students build understanding, provided motivational support, and modeled their own thinking processes.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateMar 21, 2002