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How to incentivize problem solving in groups

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that rewarding 'reformers' who improve the collective prediction regardless of their own personal accuracy leads to more accurate and diverse outcomes. This approach is more effective than rewarding 'niche experts' or 'experts', which can lead to a loss of diversity and accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 28, 2026

What birds can teach us about social learning

Researchers discovered a novel connection between the amygdala brain region and social learning in zebra finches. Young birds preferred approaching tutors with longer but less frequent songs, suggesting the amygdala plays a role in socially selective behavior. This finding sheds new light on the neural mechanisms underlying song learning.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateMay 26, 2025

Tools to succeed: Learning support for new nurses

A new self-assessment questionnaire has been developed to evaluate the progress of novice nurses during on-the-job training. The Modeling Scale for Novice Nurses assesses four subscales and 21 Likert scale questions to understand the nurses' behavior and growth, enabling senior nurses to provide targeted support.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalBMC Nursing·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2025

Experiment captures why pottery forms are culturally distinct

Researchers capture cultural differences in pottery forms without selective transmission, attributing them to cognitive biases and community-specific techniques. This finding has implications for interpreting archaeological artifacts, potentially leading to new insights into the dynamics of cultural assimilation and artistic innovation.

SourceKobe University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2024

One of the crowd or one of a kind? New artificial intelligence research indicates we're a bit of both

A new study published in iScience found that humans tend to follow a two-step process when in a crowd, with an initial reflexive imitation followed by a more deliberate strategic decision. The research suggests this influence affects not only social norms but also immediate actions and underlies behaviors such as rioting and mass panic.

SourceAston University·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022

Splits and mergers: Investigating the role of policy disagreements in party switching using a Japanese example

A Japanese study reveals that policy disagreement and politicization led to the split of Japan's largest opposition party in 2017. The researchers found that traditional DIF analysis failed to capture the complexity of party positions, but a corrected version showed strong discord over defense policy.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJapanese Journal of Political Science·TypeSurvey·DateJul 26, 2022

“Can you show me how to calm myself down?” Observing adults can help toddlers regulate their emotions

Toddlers increased their use of distraction as a mechanism to calm themselves after observing others. Toddlers also benefited from observing both calm and active distraction strategies, regardless of temperament or play preferences. Observing strangers can help toddlers develop emotional regulation skills.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2021

How do leaders and influencers emerge?

A computer simulation modelled by Associate Professor David Goldbaum suggests a leader emerges through a dynamic self-reinforcing social process, even with identical attributes among group members. The study finds that building up influence and gaining popularity is key to becoming a leader.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalEconomic Modelling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 2, 2021

That new baby isn't imitating you

Researchers tested young infants' imitation of facial and hand gestures, finding no evidence of innate ability to copy adults. Babies may learn to imitate through observation of others mimicking them.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 5, 2016

Rudeness at work is contagious

Research at Lund University finds that 75% of employees experience rudeness, leading to stronger social support and increased risk of bullying; training for staff and managers is key to addressing unpleasant behavior.

SourceLund University·JournalBioMed Research International·DateDec 4, 2015

CEO incentives should be more strategic

A study by Michigan State University scholars suggests that CEOs who have three times as much prospective wealth as current wealth are more willing to take risks. Companies can influence CEO risk-taking behavior by issuing equity pay strategically, rather than relying on predetermined quantities.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateSep 18, 2012

Baby see, baby do?

Researchers from Concordia University found that infants can differentiate between trustworthy and untrustworthy sources. In a series of experiments, infants were shown to imitate actions from reliable adults more frequently than those from unreliable adults. This study contributes to the understanding of infant cognition and social le...

SourceConcordia University·JournalInfant Behavior and Development·DateDec 6, 2011

Monkey see, monkey do?

Researchers found that participants could learn a complex sequence of motions by viewing and remembering it without actually reproducing it. This suggests that imitation learning is crucial for acquiring many skills used in daily life, such as sports and rehabilitation after an accident.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalJournal of Vision·DateMar 19, 2007

Social imitation in neonatal monkeys

Rhesus monkeys display neonatal imitation, reproducing human tongue protrusion and lip smacking after watching experimenters perform similar gestures. The study suggests that imitation may have evolved earlier in the primate tree than previously thought.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 4, 2006