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UArizona researchers examine the relationship between loneliness and being alone

A new study by UArizona researchers found that solitude does not correlate with feelings of loneliness unless a person spends 75% of their time alone. The study also highlights the importance of social connections for human health and introduces a new method to measure social activity using a smartphone app.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 1, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Hostile sexism linked to less responsive parenting

A new study finds that fathers and mothers who hold sexist attitudes towards men's power and authority exhibit less responsive parenting behavior, which can lead to behavioral issues and lower academic achievement. The research highlights the need for addressing hostile sexism to improve child well-being and reduce gender inequality.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeSurvey·DateOct 12, 2023

Can ChatGPT help us form personal narratives?

A new study found that ChatGPT-4 can generate highly accurate personal narratives based on stream-of-consciousness thoughts and demographic details. The AI model was used in conjunction with therapists to guide patients toward healthier thoughts and behaviors, suggesting a potential tool for improving therapeutic approaches.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2023

A positive worldview is less associated with privilege than expected

Researchers found no significant association between socioeconomic status, neighborhood safety, health, and gender with positive world views. Surveys showed that certain indicators of privilege—socioeconomic status, neighborhood safety, health, and gender—are much less associated with positive world views than predicted by researchers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Personality·TypeSurvey·DateSep 7, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

They fall more easily for conspiracy theories

A study by Linköping University researchers found that people who believe truth is subjective are more likely to fall for conspiracy theories. These individuals tend to hold on to their beliefs even when faced with contradictory facts, and may find profound messages in nonsense sentences.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·TypeSurvey·DateSep 7, 2023

Positive body image linked to better life satisfaction

A new study led by Anglia Ruskin University found that positive body image is strongly associated with better psychological wellbeing and life satisfaction. The research involved 56,968 participants in 65 nations and discovered that body appreciation was higher in single individuals and those living in rural areas.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBody Image·DateSep 5, 2023

New research sheds light on factors influencing trust and bias in societies

Researchers found that people with positive perceptions of their nation's institutions show more favoritism toward fellow citizens. Conversely, a strong identification with one's own nation aligns with previous studies. The study suggests support for national institutions can pose challenges to establishing trust across borders.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Controlled cruelty: New study from VCU finds aggression can arise from successful self-control

A new study by VCU researcher David Chester found that aggression is not always the product of poor self-control, but rather can be the result of successful self-control to inflict greater retribution. The study argues for a more nuanced view of aggression and challenges common interventions aimed at reducing violence.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalSocial and Personality Psychology Compass·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 13, 2023

Fear of being exploited is stagnating our progress in science

Researchers with 'victim sensitivity' are more likely to hide knowledge from peers due to fear of exploitation. However, reminding participants of their identity as researchers actually increases suspicion and knowledge hiding.

SourceThe Polish Association of Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateJun 27, 2023

People in power who are guilt-prone are less likely to be corrupt

A study by UC Santa Barbara psychology professor Hongbo Yu found that individuals prone to guilt in their everyday lives are less likely to take bribes. The research suggests that anticipatory guilt may make people think twice before engaging in corrupt behavior, particularly when they can see the potential harm to others.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 26, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Are we really foreseeing break-ups?

Researchers found that after learning about a couple's break-up, participants perceived the relationship as more obvious and negative. They also reported reinterpreting positive qualities as signs of an impending break-up.

SourceThe Polish Association of Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateMay 30, 2023

Selfies and other third-person photos help us capture the meaning of moments

New research suggests that people take different types of photos depending on their goal, with first-person photos capturing physical experiences and third-person photos revealing the bigger meaning. Researchers found that taking and posting pictures can help people reconnect to past experiences and build self-narratives.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Psychedelics may help people reinvent themselves

Researchers found that psychedelics combined with talk therapy can help people see themselves as nonsmokers, leading to a higher success rate in quitting smoking. The study suggests that psychedelics can reshape self-perceptions to help break free from old habits and addictions.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalKennedy Institute of Ethics Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2023

Incivility reduces interest in what politicians have to say, shows research

A study by researchers at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that politicians who engage in incivility receive fewer followers and less interest in their messages. The researchers analyzed social media posts from Donald Trump and Joe Biden, finding that the former president lost over 6 million followers due t...

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2023

The real benefits of walking in a winter wonderland

Research from Anglia Ruskin University reveals that spending time in snowy environments can improve body image and self-compassion. The study found that participants who scored highly in self-compassion displayed greater improvement in body appreciation after walking in a snow-covered woodland.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 29, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Your favorite songs reveal your attachment style: New psychology research

A new study found that people's favourite songs about relationships reflect their attachment style, with anxious themes dominating. On the other hand, secure and avoidant styles are represented in lyrics, indicating a strong connection between music and relationship experiences.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPersonal Relationships·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 11, 2022

Scientists cite need for more research on leadership development in adolescence

The study proposes a multidisciplinary developmental perspective to understand leadership in adolescence, highlighting the importance of studying youth leadership and its impact on society. Researchers aim to develop leadership interventions to maximize potential and facilitate better diversification of the leadership pipeline.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 9, 2022

Low sense of personal control increases people’s affinity for tighter, rules-based culture

Research by American Psychological Association finds people with low sense of personal control prefer states with high societal tightness, which reduces individual control but increases collective control. Tighter cultures also perpetuate themselves by reducing individuals' sense of personal control.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 31, 2022

Highly emotional people drawn to cats for stress relief programs

A new study reveals that people with strong emotions are more interested in interacting with cats, contrary to the common perception that cat interactions are less appealing. The research found that universities can benefit from including both dogs and cats in their animal-assisted interventions to reach a broader audience.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAnthrozoös·TypeSurvey·DateOct 25, 2022

Social media damages appearance satisfaction

A study published in Body Image found that social media use is associated with lower appearance satisfaction. Engaging with content from friends and family was found to have a significantly stronger negative impact on appearance satisfaction compared to celebrities or influencers.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBody Image·DateOct 19, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Storytelling helps college students relieve stress, improve confidence during the COVID-19 pandemic

A study by University of Missouri researchers found that storytelling can help college students make sense of the pandemic and reduce stress. The study involved first-year college students who used stories to express personal growth during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, reporting less stress and more confidence in their schoo...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 10, 2022

Did the pandemic change our personalities?

A study of 7,109 Americans found small shifts in personality traits between pre-pandemic and 2022, with younger adults showing disrupted maturity. The changes were about one-tenth of a standard deviation and suggest that population-wide stressful events can slightly bend the trajectory of personality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Life’s stresses can make people focus more on their romantic partner’s negative behavior

A new study found that individuals experiencing stressful life events are more likely to notice their spouse's negative behavior, such as breaking promises or showing anger. This shift in focus can have a toll on the relationship, even during the 'honeymoon' phase.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Brothers and sisters shape character less than thought

A study of over 80,000 adults from nine countries found that siblings have a surprisingly small impact on personality in adulthood. The research refutes the idea that growing up with brothers or sisters causes certain personality traits to develop in the long term.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPSYCHOLOGICAL JOURNAL·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Hiding chocolate stashes or Amazon purchases from a partner? ‘Guilty’ purchases may have benefits

Research finds that feelings of guilt from keeping everyday consumer behaviors a secret can lead to greater relationship investment. Participants reported engaging in mundane secrets like sneaking pizza or watching ahead on a TV show, which drove them to invest more in their relationships.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2022

After breakups, people feel less in-control – but only at first

A study found that people who experienced separation from their partner felt less in-control initially but regained it over time. In contrast, those whose partners passed away saw an overall increase in sense of control, especially for younger individuals. Divorce had no impact on perceived control.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 3, 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

A new take on the ‘marshmallow test’: When it comes to resisting temptation, a child's cultural upbringing matters

A new study found that children from Kyoto, Japan, waited three times longer for food than for gifts, while those from Boulder, Colorado, waited nearly four times longer for gifts. The study suggests that cultural upbringing plays a significant role in shaping children's self-control and habits.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 21, 2022

It’s easier to forgive when you are under chronic stress

Researchers found that people under chronic stress are more inclined to forgive, while those experiencing everyday stress are less likely. The ability to forgive promotes authenticity and is positively correlated with it, but the strength of this correlation varies depending on stress levels.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalClinical Psychology and Special Education·DateJul 7, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Social interactions tied to sense of purpose

Research from Washington University in St. Louis finds that positive social interactions are associated with a greater sense of purpose in older adults, particularly those who are retired. The study suggests that the quality of relationships and social connections play a significant role in shaping one's sense of purpose.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 7, 2022

Socioeconomic stress in childhood may be linked with obesity later in life

A University of Alberta study reveals that stressful childhood environments can lead to a desire for high-energy-dense foods throughout life, contributing to higher obesity rates. Adults raised in harsh socioeconomic conditions were more food-motivated and preferred energy-dense foods.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalBehavioral Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 7, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Keeping the faith – or your willingness to push yourself - as you grow older

A study of 1548 people aged 13 to 77 found that passion and growth mindset decrease with age, while grit increases, suggesting that older individuals can still develop new skills. Notably, women tend to have a stronger growth mindset than men.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2022

Impostor Phenomenon: When self-doubt gets the upper hand

Researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg found that people with the Impostor Phenomenon devalue their objectively measured performance and attribute positive results to external causes. The study showed no relation between actual intelligence or performance and self-reported degree of Impostor Phenomenon.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

People high in narcissism less likely to comply with COVID-19 mitigations

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalCurrent Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2022

Can rude behavior mask sexism? UTD professor’s study says yes

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalPsychological Science·TypeSurvey·DateApr 25, 2022

This algorithm has opinions about your face

Researchers developed an AI algorithm to model first impressions and accurately predict how people will be perceived based on a photograph of their face. The algorithm's findings align with common intuitions or cultural assumptions, such as people who smile being seen as more trustworthy.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

A drug that cures alcoholism may be the next anti-anxiety medication

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discovered that disulfiram inhibits FROUNT protein and chemokine signaling pathways, reducing anxiety levels in mice. The study suggests a potential breakthrough anti-anxiety medication with safe and effective treatment for elderly patients suffering from anxiety and insomnia.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

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

Are people more willing to empathize with animals or with other humans?

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Women seen as happy and men as angry despite real emotions

A University of Essex study found that people subconsciously attribute happiness to women and anger to men, with emotion influencing sex perception more than vice versa. The research suggests this bias may be an evolutionary advantage.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalEmotion·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022

Millionaires more risk-tolerant and emotionally stable

A study by researchers from the Socio-Economic Panel and University of Münster found that millionaires are more risk-tolerant, emotionally stable, and open. They also tend to be extroverted and conscientious compared to the general population.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeSurvey·DateApr 4, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

ASMR fans are hypersensitive to the world

Research reveals that ASMR enthusiasts are hypersensitive to their environment, easily overstimulated by noise and movement. They also possess heightened bodily awareness, noticing physical changes when experiencing emotions.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 24, 2022

“What a jerk!” Uncontested provocative statements can signal dominance

A new study published in Social Psychological Bulletin found that people infer dominance from the utterance of challenging and offensive statements, regardless of audience reaction. This suggests that individuals who seek status through dominance are more likely to engage in such behavior.

SourceThe Polish Association of Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateMar 17, 2022

Machine learning to predict if you'll leave your partner

A Bocconi University study used machine learning to analyze data on 2038 couples in Germany, finding that life satisfaction and housework are key predictors of union dissolution. The analysis also revealed complex interactions between variables, including the impact of personal traits like openness and extraversion.

SourceBocconi University·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 10, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Musical preferences unite personalities worldwide, new study finds

A new study by Dr David Greenberg and colleagues found that musical preferences are linked to personality traits across cultures, with extraversion linked to contemporary music and neuroticism unexpectedly drawn to intense styles. The research suggests a universal role for music in bridging social divides.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 8, 2022