Articles tagged with Human Behavior
A meta-analysis of 130 experiments involving 10,000 participants found a connection between upright postures and power posing with improved self-perception. However, the effects on behavior and hormone levels were less robust and not supported by the findings.
A new study suggests that individuals perceive a space as congested when they can't walk at their desired speed. Age and gender also play a role, with older and female pedestrians reporting lower feelings of congestion. The researchers hope to apply this finding to design spaces that prioritize comfort and usability.
Nearly nine out of 10 people in the UK want self-driving vehicles to be labelled for clear distinction from human-driven vehicles. The survey found that experts tend to downplay concerns, but public scepticism persists, with many uncomfortable with the idea of using or sharing the road with self-driving cars.
Xie aims to develop algorithms that reflect human domain knowledge and reasoning patterns, increasing trust in machine learning models. He also explores algorithmic fairness, considering multiple perspectives on what's considered fair, to address concerns about biased decision-making.
A new study found that individuals high in grandiose and vulnerable narcissism are less likely to wear masks or get vaccinated. However, those who do choose to participate may be more likely to encourage others to do so. Researchers suggest using unique messaging strategies to tap into these personalities.
A new study analyzing 174 peer-reviewed studies on the effects of nature on human well-being found that participants were overwhelmingly white and from high-income countries. The research highlights a diversity problem in the field, which threatens its ability to make universal scientific claims.
A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that humour is an effective flirtation tactic for both sexes, especially for men seeking long-term relationships. Women who want a short-lived fling should signal their intentions clearly. The research also highlights the importance of smiling, eye contact, and showing pot...
Researchers used worms to study how hunger signals in the gut communicate with the brain, leading to riskier behavior. The findings suggest that proteins in intestinal cells move dynamically to transmit signals about hunger, driving worms to cross toxic barriers.
Researchers mapped neural networks in marmoset and macaque monkeys to find that multiple areas in the frontal lobe control vocalization, contradicting a long-held view. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of speech disorders such as stuttering and apraxia.
A new study reveals that urban residents have a simplistic understanding of coastal ecosystems and are less likely to take pro-environmental actions. The research highlights an issue known as urbanized knowledge syndrome, which can harm natural ecosystems and undermine community resilience.
An anti-idling campaign at two elementary schools reduced idling time by 38% and improved air quality, according to a study published in the Atmosphere journal. The campaign, which involved teachers and parents, also found localized pollution hotspots around schools caused by car emissions.
A recent Rutgers University study has found that children in families struggling to provide diapers are more likely to have disrupted and shorter sleep periods. The researchers also discovered a strong association between diaper need and an increased risk of childhood obesity, emotional problems, and maternal mental health symptoms.
Structurally racist redlining policies from the 1930s were associated with decreased availability of behavioral health clinicians in affected areas. The study's findings highlight the lasting impact of discriminatory policies on healthcare access and outcomes.
A study found nearly 40% of Venmo users shared sensitive information, such as health conditions and political leanings, due to inadequate privacy settings. Researchers identified specific groups, like AA membership, that exposed user payments through public notes.
A study across eight European countries found that conventional vaccination campaign messages are ineffective due to factors like low health literacy and conspiracy theories. The research suggests a need for targeted messaging strategies tailored to specific groups and communication channels.
A survey of 441 Germans found that environmental concerns do not drive demand for meat substitutes, but rather attitudes towards animal welfare and health. Manufacturers are advised to highlight the ecological advantages and healthier composition of their products.
A UTD professor's study found that men's rudeness toward others, including women, can obscure the recognition of sexism. The study suggests that a perception of gender blindness can lead observers to view the perpetrator as not sexist, even when they are displaying sexist behavior.
A pioneering study led by the University of Bristol found that humans have 'nutritional wisdom,' choosing foods to meet their need for vitamins and minerals. The study suggests that people combine meals in a way that increases exposure to micronutrients, contradicting the long-held view that humans evolved to favor energy-dense foods.
Researchers found that gamification increased daily steps by an average of 647 for postpartum individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, demonstrates the effectiveness of text-based gamification interventions to improve physical activity among high-risk postpartum women.
A Rutgers study found that nearly 70% of physicians report patients asking about e-cigarettes, yet most incorrectly believe all tobacco products are equally harmful. E-cigarettes were more likely recommended for heavy smokers seeking cessation, while FDA-approved medications were preferred for lighter smokers.
Researchers found a significant association between high public transportation usage and higher per capita Covid incidence in the US. The study controlled for factors like education, poverty levels, and household crowding, suggesting that transit could have been an important factor in early pandemic spread.
A decision-support framework was developed by management science researchers to help clinicians make informed decisions about opioid prescribing. The framework incorporates multiple factors, including recovery time, pain intensity, and patient history, to provide a quantitative model of the prescribing process.
A new study found that newborn brains are already organized into functional networks, with five networks operating at birth. Individual variability in these networks may be related to genetic differences and could have implications for behavior in adults.
A UK crime gang study found that OCG members who previously offended together are more likely to become victims of violence, with a 56-fold increase in risk. The study also revealed cycles of escalating violence within the criminal milieu, with harassment increasing the potential for violence by 243 times.
Researchers found that mice with the Val89 gene variant exhibit attention deficit disorder-like problems, including diminished cognitive performance and increased vulnerability to distraction. The study provides direct evidence of the genetic variant's effects on acetylcholine availability and its resulting cognitive impacts.
A new Penn State study found that people are more likely to choose empathy for an animal over a human, but only when the choices are not in competition. When context matters, people's willingness to engage in human empathy decreases, while their interest in animal empathy increases.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that engaging in meaningful and challenging activities during free time can significantly reduce people's loneliness and increase their positive feelings. The researchers identified that flow, a state of being fully engaged and focused on an activity, is crucial to reducing loneliness.
The BrainChart platform benchmarks brain development based on MRI data from over 100,000 individuals, creating a standardized chart like those for height and weight. The tool identifies previously unreported neurodevelopmental milestones and provides a common language to understand brain images from different sources.
The Sedentary Behaviour Research Network has released international guidelines to minimize health impacts of sedentary behaviour in schools. The recommendations aim to counteract excessive screen time and promote healthy movement behaviours among students.
A new study found that empowering workers can lead to better job performance and creativity, but only if institutional obstacles are removed. However, when empowered employees face hindrance stressors, they may become morally disengaged and engage in unethical pro-organizational behavior.
Research reveals that people who grew up in rural areas have a better sense of direction than those in cities, especially in countries with complex topographies. The study used video game data from Sea Hero Quest to analyze over 400,000 participants from 38 countries.
A recent study found that child abuse investigations by Child Protective Services (CPS) do not necessarily prevent poor sexual health outcomes in adolescent girls. In fact, the researchers discovered that girls who underwent investigation were more likely to experience adverse sexual health outcomes, including STIs and pregnancy, befor...
A rehabilitation psychologist's role is to guide patients through the process of rehab and recovery, addressing cognitive, behavioral, and emotional barriers that hinder progress. These experts can help individuals adjust to a new diagnosis, stay motivated during recovery, and deal with the emotional aftermath of hospitalization.
A new study found that integrating behavioral health into pediatric primary care at federally qualified health centers increases access, timeliness of care, and diagnostic rates of ADHD among diverse children. The model resulted in higher follow-up rates with behavioral health clinicians and reduced polypharmacy.
A new study shows that a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease, sargramostim, improves cognitive function in people with Down syndrome and normal aging mice. The drug reverses learning and memory deficits, nerve cell loss, and brain abnormalities in mouse models of Down syndrome and aging.
A study found that people in Germany and the US prioritize equal access to COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. In contrast, vaccine distribution according to a country's production capacity or free market regulation received little support. The research highlights the public's willingness to share vaccines despite logistical challenges.
Experts have published guidelines for psychophysiological research involving pupil measurements, summarizing the physiology of the pupil and providing recommendations on data examination. The guidelines also discuss psychological phenomena that modulate pupil reactivity.
A new study finds that maternal feedback, not biological predisposition, influences reward-related brain activity in children of mothers with clinical depression. The research suggests that interventions coaching parents to encourage positive emotions may have a powerful impact on child development.
Research finds that people from different countries and backgrounds prefer original color compositions in paintings, even those they've never seen before. The study suggests a common biological basis for beauty perception, contradicting cultural background and education.
Scientists have achieved efficient quantum coupling between two distant magnetic devices, which can host magnons and exchange energy and information. This achievement may be useful for creating new quantum information technology devices.
A new study found that making hepatitis C screenings a default order for patients who meet guidelines doubled the rate of screenings among those recommended. The no-click system resulted in an 80% screening rate, compared to 42% under a previous alert system.
Researchers from UNH and UNO found a significant gender pay gap in executive severance compensation, with male executives receiving up to $500k more than female counterparts. The study highlights the impact of bias on severance agreements and suggests that this can discourage women from seeking executive roles.
Researchers reexamined hundreds of experiments on neural activity and consciousness, finding that experiment parameters determine results. The study used artificial intelligence to predict which theory would be supported by each experiment with 80% success.
A team of researchers found that people who purchased environmentally friendly products in the past are likely to continue doing so, but gamification practices did not significantly impact future eco-friendly tendencies. The study explored game-based solutions to increase intrinsic motivations for sustainable practices.
A new study finds that the brain estimates controllability through competition between two parallel learning processes: the actor and the spectator. High levels of stress and anxiety impair people's sense of control, making them believe their actions don't matter.
Researchers found that Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) helps individuals with depression develop self-compassion, leading to a state of safety and relaxation. Participants who received MBCT showed increased self-kindness and reduced threat responses compared to those in an untreated control group.
A study by Concordia researchers found that women are disproportionately affected by job losses and automation due to COVID-19. The authors argue that companies must prioritize inclusivity measures to avoid reversing progress made towards gender equality in the workplace.
A new study at the University of Missouri found that positive teacher-student relationships lead to better teaching, as teachers who demonstrate 'soft' skills like kindness and compassion tend to use high-impact teaching practices. Students who feel cared for by their teacher are more motivated to learn and engaged in the classroom.
Researchers at Yale University have developed a model that uses brain scans to predict an individual's ability to pay attention. The study found that the brain's activity patterns can be used to create a unique fingerprint of attention abilities, which can help diagnose ADHD and improve focus.
A pandemic survey conducted by University of Auckland psychologist Dr Lixin Jiang found that only about 27 percent of workers trusted both federal and state governments. People with high levels of trust in government felt more secure in their jobs, had higher employer loyalty, and were more likely to help co-workers.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that working during non-traditional hours can decrease intrinsic motivation for schoolwork and work. Intrinsic motivation refers to the enjoyment and interest one feels in their work or activities. The study involved three experiments, including one with college students who were remi...
A team from UNIGE demonstrates that a reduction in gamma wave activation is correlated with the emergence of psychotic symptoms in children and adolescents at genetic risk. This study makes it possible to envisage an early diagnosis and identifies potential therapeutic targets for treating schizophrenia.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University applied cognitive science theories to human-robot interaction, finding that humans need to see variation in robot behavior to build accurate mental models. Theories suggest that strategic variation can reveal concepts that might be difficult for a person to discern otherwise.
The collaboration aims to prepare professionals to support school-aged students with autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities. Full scholarships will be awarded to 24 graduate students starting in Fall 2022.
A new study found that clear and consistent messaging is key to reducing risk-taking behavior, while personality-based approaches are less effective. The research used a simulated pandemic game to test different interventions and demonstrates the potential for behavioral sciences to inform public health policy.
The study found that exposure to dogs makes consumers more promotion-focused, while exposure to cats makes them more cautious. This effect persists even in pet-unrelated domains, influencing decision-making and judgment.
Scientists at Tel Aviv University have created two-dimensional polymer microfiber networks that exhibit shape memory properties. These networks can be controlled by temperature-induced changes, allowing for morphing materials with microscale resolutions.
A new study found that siblings of children with disabilities score higher in self-reported cognitive empathy than typically developing peers. This may be due to the specific 'advantage' of cognitive empathy in understanding and supporting their sibling relationship.
A new study reveals that tobacco companies have secret contracts with retailers that allow them to give their products prime placement in stores, discount pricing, and target specific demographics. This undermines ongoing public health efforts to decrease tobacco use.
Researchers at University of Missouri found a long-term association between adolescent psychological well-being and adult cardiovascular disease risk. People who are more optimistic in their youth can lower their chances for heart disease as adults.