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AI in retail: how to spark creativity and improve job satisfaction

A study by researchers from Florida Atlantic University and Hanyang University explores how AI service quality affects retail employees' innovation, job fit, and job satisfaction. The results suggest that employees are more likely to engage in innovative behaviors when they perceive benefits from AI interactions.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Retailing and Consumer Services·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 2025

Study shows link between income inequality and health and education disparities may drive support for economic reform

New research highlights the connection between income inequality and health and education disparities, increasing support for economic reform. The study reveals that understanding these disparities can lead to a greater willingness to reduce inequality.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2025

A familiar face at childbirth makes a difference

A Dartmouth-led study reveals that pregnant individuals with no emotional support during childbirth experience higher levels of perceived stress, comparable to a C-section delivery. The research highlights the importance of access to emotional support in reducing stress and improving maternal and child outcomes.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEvolution Medicine and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 3, 2025

Aspects of marriage counseling may hold the key to depolarizing, unifying the country, study finds

A recent study found that 'reciprocal group reflection' - an intervention inspired by marriage counseling - helped reduce affective polarization among opposing political parties. Participants showed reduced signs of division and increased willingness to support depolarization efforts, even after six months.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPolitical Behavior·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 30, 2025

The role of political partisanship and moral beliefs in leadership selection

The study shows that liberals and conservatives often support different types of leaders due to differences in moral priorities. Conservatives tend to favor dominant leaders who employ assertiveness and formal authority, while liberals prefer prestigious leaders who lead through knowledge and earned respect.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeSurvey·DateJan 16, 2025

Do animals get jealous like people? Researchers say it’s complicated.

A new UC Berkeley study analyzed over 60,000 animal observations and found no conclusive evidence of inequity aversion in non-human species. However, the researchers suggest that some animals may exhibit disappointment or social protest when their expectations are not met.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2024

Why the powerful are more likely to cheat

A new study finds that those who feel powerful in their relationships are less dependent on others, think more highly of themselves, and are more confident that they are desirable. This can lead to a higher interest in alternative partners and a greater willingness to engage in infidelity.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024

Traditional Mayan practices have long promoted unique levels of family harmony. But what effect is globalization having?

Research by UC Santa Cruz psychologist Barbara Rogoff finds that globalization has reduced collaborative interactions among Mayan families, but they still prioritize harmonious relations and community involvement. The traditional practice of Learning by Observing and Pitching In remains a key strength for Indigenous communities.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalChild Development·DateNov 15, 2024

African voices in ink

The book uses a 'history from below' approach to center the voices of petitioners, revealing how they framed their demands using language like justice, rights, and equity. Through over 4,000 petitions, Dr. Bright Alozie shows the significance of this genre in shaping colonial society and influencing decision-making.

Gentrification can leave residents feeling powerless and alienated in their own neighborhood, research shows

A new study reveals gentrification's complex impact on residential communities in Seoul, Korea, finding that state-led urban change can lead to emotional displacement of residents. Meanwhile, property-led redevelopment has resulted in direct displacement and replacement of industrial clusters with high-rise residential construction.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalThe Developing Economies·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2024

Magicians don’t mind sharing the secrets behind tricks – if they are their own

A new study reveals that magicians are willing to share their own trick techniques, but not those invented by others or deceased individuals. They believe it's acceptable to reveal secrets for good causes, such as enhancing wellbeing or scientific research, and that mass online tutorials have reduced the need for traditional secrecy.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Performance Magic·TypeCase study·DateOct 27, 2024

Barriers prevent everyone enjoying nature equally

A major international study involving 56,968 adults found that levels of nature connectedness are associated with socioeconomic factors such as financial security, education, and racial majority status. The UK scored higher on the Nature Exposure Scale, while Bosnia and Herzegovina led in this aspect.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateOct 25, 2024

Public discourse promotes socially responsible behavior

A new study by economists at the University of Zurich finds that engaging in public discourse increases socially responsible market behavior regardless of participants' social norms and values. The researchers conducted three lab experiments with over 2,500 participants and observed a significant increase in trade with fair products wh...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalAmerican Economic Review·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2024

Self-esteem boosts sexual well-being – and vice versa

A long-term study of over 11,000 German adults found that people with higher self-esteem tend to have more satisfying sexual relationships and that the two factors influence each other. The study showed significant correlations over time, with changes in sexual satisfaction leading to changes in self-esteem.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 25, 2024

How do human and dog interactions affect the brain?

New research reveals that human-dog interactions synchronize brain activity, particularly in the frontal and parietal regions. Dogs with autism-associated genetic mutations show reduced synchronization, but treatment with LSD reverses this effect.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Science·DateSep 11, 2024

During the pandemic, employers who fostered ‘collective engagement’ had less employee turnover

A recent study found that workplaces with high levels of collective engagement saw less employee turnover during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collective engagement refers to a shared sense of mission or community among store employees. The researchers also observed that stores with higher collective engagement had lower employee turnover rat...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2024

Children contribute to group projects when there are clear and common goals

A study found that children as young as six can contribute to group projects when there are clear and common goals. The researchers used a game where children worked together to fill a pool with water, with benefits for the whole group but individual costs. The results showed that most groups achieved their objectives and cooperated, e...

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalPsychological Science·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024

Women at risk of ‘digital overload’ – new research reveals

A new study by Lancaster University highlights that women are more likely than men to experience 'digital overload' and burnout due to their greater use of digital technologies in both work and family lives. The research emphasizes the need for gender-egalitarian work-from-home arrangements and policies to address this issue.

SourceLancaster University·JournalCommunity Work & Family·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 8, 2024

People's moral values change with the seasons

A new UBC study reveals regular seasonal shifts in people's moral values, with stronger endorsement of group cohesion and conformity in spring and fall. This finding has potential implications for politics, law, and health, including the timing of elections and court cases, as well as public response to a health crisis.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 6, 2024

No room for nuance in polarized political climate: SFU study

A recent study from Simon Fraser University's Beedie School of Business found that people who express ambivalence about political topics are disliked by those who disagree and those who agree but feel their position isn't strong enough. The study exposes a mismatch between expectation and social reality, suggesting that nuanced positio...

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateAug 6, 2024

Study finds White Western women have lower body appreciation and greater media pressure to look thin

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals significant cultural differences in body appreciation among White Western, Black Nigerian, and Chinese women. White Western women reported higher media pressure to be thin, but lower body appreciation compared to other ethnic groups. In contrast, Black Nigerian women had higher body appreciation an...

SourceDurham University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJul 31, 2024

Analogies for modeling belief dynamics

Several common analogies used to model belief dynamics are examined for their conceptual mileage and baggage. The authors argue that while these analogies can provide useful concepts and methodologies, they have limitations and can lead to inaccurate inferences. To construct accurate models, researchers should consider multiple sources...

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateJul 29, 2024

Little trust in Dr. ChatGPT

A new study published in Nature Medicine found that people rate medical advice as less reliable and empathetic when an AI is believed to be involved. Despite this, respondents were still less willing to follow AI-supported recommendations compared to advice from human doctors.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

Deeper down the rabbit hole

This study reveals the extent and causes of technology conspiracy beliefs, finding they are widespread among the general population, with at least 20% believing in six out of ten theories. The research highlights the detrimental effects of these beliefs, including a breakdown of social collaboration and constructive political debate.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalInformation Systems Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2024

New study shows meaningful social interactions boost well-being, but context matters

A new study found that engaging in meaningful social interactions with peers is associated with lower loneliness and greater affective well-being. The research also highlights the importance of context in these interactions, suggesting that online or offline settings have a positive impact on well-being during lockdowns.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2024

Dancers are less neurotic

A study by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft researchers found that both amateur and professional dancers are less neurotic than non-dancers. They also exhibit higher levels of agreeableness, openness, and extraversion.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateJun 26, 2024

Authority's physical proximity means greater obedience. New look at results of famous experiment

Researchers from SWPS University have re-examined the causes of obedience in the iconic Milgram experiment. The team found that physical proximity to the experimenter enhances subjects' willingness to obey, while proximity to the learner reduces it. This new understanding sheds light on the complex dynamics underlying human behavior.

SourceSWPS University·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·DateJun 18, 2024

Tight-knit communities can prevent environmental progress

A recent study by the University of Sydney reveals that tight-knit communities can resist environmental initiatives due to the creation of echo chambers and groupthink. Strong local bonds can lead to resistance against sustainability programs and greenhouse gas reduction projects, making it challenging for policymakers to implement eff...

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalEcology and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 18, 2024

Nearly 1 in 4 people with a history of bipolar disorder achieve complete mental health

A study by the University of Toronto found that 43% of Canadians with a history of bipolar disorder were symptom-free and 23.5% had achieved complete mental health. Factors contributing to psychological flourishing included having a trusted confidant, using spirituality as coping mechanisms, and absence of disabling chronic pain.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders Reports·TypeSurvey·DateJun 11, 2024

Emotional context in decision-making: Challenging Lewin's motivational conflicts theory

A recent study reviewed and challenged Kurt Lewin's long-standing motivational conflicts theory, finding that avoidance-avoidance conflicts are more challenging in positive and neutral contexts. The results expand our understanding of decision-making conflicts, highlighting the importance of emotional context in resolving these challen...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEmotion·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2024