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Study asks: Is a 'better world' possible?

A Michigan State University sociologist argues that neighborhood integration and cohesion cannot co-exist due to how people form relationships. The study suggests that finding a balance between the two is necessary, as integrating neighborhoods often leads to decreased social cohesion.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Community Psychology·DateNov 18, 2013

Social giving makes us happier

Research finds that social connection enhances generosity by fostering positive feelings in donors. The study suggests that donors feel happiest when giving to a charity via a friend or relative rather than an anonymous donation. This research has implications for not-for-profit organizations seeking to maximize donations.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Happiness and Development·DateAug 20, 2013

Robot mom would beat robot butler in popularity contest

A recent study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that people express more positive feelings towards a robot that takes care of them than one that needs care. Researchers observed 60 interactions between college students and a social robot, Nao, to determine how human perception of robots changed based on their role.

SourcePenn State·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateJul 8, 2013

Positive social support at work shown to reduce risk of diabetes

A 3.5-year-long study found that employees with high social support at work have a 22% lower chance of developing type 2 diabetes, while those with low social support are 18% more likely to develop the disease. The study highlights the importance of finding the right balance in terms of workload and providing necessary social support.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateMay 9, 2013

Level up: Study reveals keys to gamer loyalty

Online role-playing game developers can increase player loyalty by providing gamers with more opportunities for social interaction, collaboration, and character ownership. The study found that strategies such as cooperative play and guilds built loyalty and social identity among players.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Commerce·DateNov 16, 2012

UCSB evolutionary psychologists study the purpose of punishment and reputation

Researchers at UCSB's Center for Evolutionary Psychology report new findings on human behaviors, supporting the individual cooperation account over group cooperation theory. The studies involved structured social interactions with over 200 participants, who showed a preference for trusting individuals likely to cooperate, not those who...

Moderate voices muted in political news

A recent study found that moderate political groups receive less attention in newspaper articles compared to more radical groups, leading to a skewed perception of their importance.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournalism & Mass Communication Quarterly·DateSep 6, 2012

WSU researches patterns of heavy alcohol use and life commitments in at-risk young adults

A Wayne State University researcher is investigating the influences of conscientiousness-related personality traits, cognitive ability, and social investment on patterns of excessive alcohol use over time. The study aims to develop interventions that can help foster maturation by increasing normative social investment.

The search for a job begins and ends with you

A new study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers found that managing negative thoughts and emotions is crucial for a successful job search. Effective self-management strategies, such as seeking social support and developing daily routines, can increase the likelihood of landing employment and sustaining motivation over time.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateApr 24, 2012

Orangutan nest building shows high degree of sophistication

A new study by researchers at the University of Manchester found that orangutans build nests with a high degree of sophistication, using strong branches for structural parts and weaker ones for linings. The apes' choice of branch was dictated by its diameter and rigidity, indicating possible knowledge of mechanical properties.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2012

Focus on self-improvement, rather than winning, benefits young athletes

A study by Michigan State University's Institute for the Study of Youth Sports found that coaches who prioritize player self-improvement over competition create a sense of teamwork, social skills, and identity among young athletes. The research suggests that focusing on player development can lead to positive outcomes in life skills an...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·DateFeb 9, 2012

Training peers improves social outcomes for some kids with ASD

A recent NIH-funded study found that engaging peers in social skills intervention may be more effective than training children with ASD directly. The study showed that children with ASD who interacted with trained peers had improved social outcomes, including reduced time alone on playgrounds and increased classmate friendships.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateNov 30, 2011