Research using surveys to study people and society. Covers consumer studies, dietary change, social-media and mood links, and public opinion.
Employees who take personal initiative but lack social acumen may be seen as troublemakers. A study found that proactive behavior is only beneficial if combined with social skills and sensitivity to favorable opportunities. Employers are looking for employees with both personal initiative and political skill.
A study of network news coverage found that Barry Bonds received more negative stories about his alleged steroid use than Mark McGwire and Rafael Palmeiro. The research also showed that Bonds' stories were more likely to focus on his using steroids for a competitive edge, rather than rehabilitation from injury.
A new survey by NORC at the University of Chicago reveals that nine in ten employers offering insurance are unfamiliar with objective quality metrics, despite valuing plan quality ratings. Employers cite cost to employees as a key consideration when selecting health plans.
The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research has released a new analysis of Hispanics' experiences with long-term care in the US. Key findings include that Hispanics are more likely to foresee needing long-term care, but report feeling less prepared and concerned about costs. The study also highlights the importance of financial plan...
Surveyman identifies problems in surveys from design stage onward, addressing bias in question order, wording, correlation, redundancy, and respondent honesty. The free, publicly available tool guides users through steps to create a survey spreadsheet, ensuring more accurate results.
A new study by UCSF researchers found a significant association between sugared soda consumption and cell aging, as measured by telomere shortening in immune cells. The findings suggest that regular consumption of sugar-sweetened sodas may influence disease development through accelerated cellular aging.
A new national study finds that holistic review increases diversity in incoming classes while maintaining academic standards. Nearly 40% of schools reported an increase in average GPA, with no change to measures of academic quality or student retention.
A survey of 80 female Greek oncologists found that women are under-represented in leadership positions, with team leaders being men in 82% of cases. The European Society for Medical Oncology launches a new initiative to promote the exchange of ideas among female oncologists and support women with cancer.
A study analyzing millions of Arabic-language tweets confirms high levels of anti-American sentiment, revealing that criticism of the US is consistent across various regions and issues. The research suggests a deep-seated dislike of American intervention and an unwillingness to give credit when US policies are beneficial.
A new study reveals significant differences in religiosity between Indian and UK scientists. While 65% of UK scientists identify as non-religious, only 6% of Indian scientists share this trait. The study also found that Indian scientists are more likely to attend religious services than their UK counterparts.
Researchers found that people respond to surveys by selecting answer options with similar language, even when the similarities are subtle. The study highlights the importance of considering language patterns in survey design and analysis, potentially revealing unique attitudes among respondents.
Research found that workers experiencing high levels of job insecurity were more likely to develop asthma. The study, based on a German survey, indicates a potential link between psychological stress and new onset asthma.
A survey of Fortune 500 chief human resource officers found that nearly 80% of companies have raised or plan to raise employee contributions to health insurance. The Affordable Care Act has led to a significant increase in healthcare costs, with 38% of respondents reporting a rise in health insurance costs.
A study by WHO and University of Toronto researchers found that implementing essential medicines policies is associated with improved quality use of medicines. Countries with higher per capita wealth levels showed weaker correlation, highlighting the importance of these policies in low-income nations.
A Baylor University study reveals that states with stricter lobbying regulations promote more equal political representation, narrowing the gap between rich and poor citizens' opinions. States with more restrictions on professional lobbyists tend to score higher in terms of equality of representation.
A new study published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology found that factors outside the workplace contribute to mental health problems. Employees living with a partner, with young children or higher household income, experienced fewer burnout symptoms. The research emphasizes the importance of considering home life along...
Researchers are using social networks to spread messages about public health knowledge, aiming to close the gap between scientific discoveries and practical applications. A study combining social networks with knowledge about social motives is exploring how to craft effective messages for influential individuals.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that childhood mentors have a lasting positive impact on career success. Mentees with mentors were more likely to find work early in their careers with greater intrinsic job rewards, such as authority and autonomy. These characteristics are associated with long-term career success.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that people living in more liberal countries are generally happier, with liberals reporting lower well-being. Conservatives, on the other hand, are happier than their liberal counterparts, regardless of where they live or the government's political leanings. The researchers analyz...
A recent study found that public trust in others and confidence in societal institutions have reached their lowest point in over three decades. The decline is attributed to the increasing wealth gap and poverty, leading to a perception of distrust among people towards each other and large corporations.
A new national survey reveals that only 13% of respondents demonstrated high knowledge of abortion, with no correlation between state or politics. The study suggests that comprehensive and evidence-based sexual reproductive health education is needed to address lack of informed decision-making.
The AP-NORC Center's national survey reveals that Americans prioritize doctor-patient interactions and personality traits over care effectiveness when choosing a doctor. Overwhelming majorities support public reporting requirements to improve healthcare quality, but many struggle to find trustworthy information.
Researchers found that Eastern cultures, such as South Korea and Japan, tend to customize mobile phones more than Western countries, valuing social fit and self-expression. Americans prioritize self-expression over fitting in with others.
A new psychological investigation found that most people find it difficult to concentrate when alone with their thoughts, preferring external activities instead. Researchers discovered that even older adults and those who prefer not to disengage from the world struggle with solo thinking.
A survey of 973 women in the UK and Denmark found that while most are aware of egg freezing, only one in five consider it appropriate for their personal circumstances. The majority associate oocyte freezing with delaying childbearing until social and domestic circumstances improve.
A QUT study found that friends are the strongest influence on young people's intentions to drink walk, a behavior linked to increased risk of injury and fatality. Young males were particularly at risk due to their perception of drink walking as a low-risk activity.
Research by the University of Southampton found that public sector workers are more likely to volunteer due to higher education levels, but once compared like-for-like, there is no significant difference. However, public sector workers in education are more likely to volunteer than those in private sector jobs.
The demand for adult endocrinologist services is expected to surpass the available supply for at least the next decade. A growing shortage of endocrinologists is likely to worsen due to aging demographics and increased diagnoses of diabetes and hormone-related conditions, forcing patients to wait longer for appointments.
A large survey found that young adults' self-reported health improved, along with decreased out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures, after the Affordable Care Act's dependent coverage provision. The study showed a significant increase in insurance coverage and improvements in physical and mental health among 19-25 year olds.
Researchers found a surprising regularity in human behavior using quantum theory to analyze survey questions. The study identified 'quantum question equality,' where people switch their responses systematically when the order of questions is reversed.
A recent AP-NORC analysis of Californians' experiences with long-term care highlights growing concerns among minority groups, particularly Hispanics and foreign-born individuals. The survey reveals that nearly two-thirds of Californians age 40 or older expect to need long-term care, but many have not planned for it.
A University of Florida study found that nearly one-third of English adults have prediabetes, a condition characterized by higher than normal blood glucose levels. The study suggests that without intervention, England may experience a significant increase in diabetes cases in the coming years.
A survey of Canadian physicians reveals a significant gap between optimal practices for detecting and treating malnutrition in hospitalized patients. The study found that actual assessments completed were much lower than reported, with only 33% of patients being weighed upon admission.
A new study from the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business found that feeling excluded at work is significantly more likely to lead job dissatisfaction and health problems. People who experienced ostracism were also more likely to quit their jobs and reported a degraded sense of workplace belonging.
A large UCL survey found that e-cigarette users are 60% more likely to quit smoking than those using willpower alone or over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapies. The study suggests that e-cigarettes could play a positive role in reducing smoking rates, but the strongest evidence remains for NHS stop-smoking services.
A national survey found that many Americans are concerned about planning for long-term care, but few have made arrangements. The study highlights the need for improved support systems to meet aging and long-term care needs.
A new study suggests that the Bay Area may experience a cluster of major earthquakes, releasing as much stress as the Great 1906 San Francisco earthquake. This cluster occurred between 1690 and 1776 on multiple faults, including the Hayward and San Andreas faults.
A new study found that while e-cigarette awareness has increased significantly among smokers, their perceived safety is decreasing. The researchers discovered no association between e-cigarette awareness and smoking cessation attempts, suggesting that adult smokers have not yet accepted e-cigarettes as a quit-smoking aid.
Research by Princeton University graduate student David Pedulla found that negative stereotypes of gay men and black men can counteract each other for gay black men in employment, leading to higher starting salaries. This challenges the idea that membership in multiple marginalized groups leads to more discrimination.
A study found that humans lack knowledge and preparation to actively contact extraterrestrial civilizations. Researchers recommend alternative strategies, promoting cosmic awareness through education.
A recent survey of 75 UK women aged 35 and above found that 40% had not discussed having children with their partner, while 23 decided not to have kids after a single conversation. The research suggests that couples can accurately sense each other's lack of desire for children, making discussion unnecessary.
Rates of PTSD increased sevenfold and severe distress nearly tripled over six years, with persisting injustice linked to a quadrupling of risk for PTSD. Mental health services should be enhanced to meet increased needs in post-conflict settings.
The percentage of Australian adolescents who don't drink alcohol has surged from 33% in 2001 to over 50% in 2010. This trend is linked to deep cultural beliefs and increasing public concerns about adolescent drinking.
New research by Andrew Stokes suggests that excess weight in the US substantially increases mortality risk, contrary to previous findings. Using individuals' highest BMI in life to predict mortality rates, Stokes found a 33% attributable risk for overweight and obesity.
A new study suggests that popularity among adolescents increases their risk of getting bullied and worsens the negative consequences. The researchers found that students in the middle to upper social hierarchy are more likely to be victimized, with the likelihood increasing by over 25% for those who reach the top of the social ladder.
A survey of over 500 researchers found that scientists support outreach efforts, but are hesitant due to concerns about peer disapproval. Confidence plays a key role in willingness to participate.
A new study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln explores the connection between ideology, social capital, and health. The research found that states with high levels of liberalism and social trust have higher levels of health and well-being, suggesting that strong communities play a crucial role in promoting good health.
A husband's agreeable personality and good health appear crucial to preventing conflict among older couples who have been together a long time. Wives report more conflict if their husband is in poor health, but not vice versa.
A national survey found that people are more likely to disclose experiences of depression and early schizophrenia, with increased recognition of symptoms and reduced stigma. The study suggests that improved knowledge and beliefs about mental health problems contribute to the increase in willingness to disclose.
Researchers found that levels of racial prejudice among white people drop significantly when they live in ethnically mixed communities. Positive contact between people belonging to different ethnic groups leads to more tolerant societies overall.
A survey of American views on religion and science found that only 27% of respondents believed in conflict between the two, while nearly half of evangelicals saw a collaborative relationship. Evangelicals were also more likely to turn to religious leaders for scientific questions.
Despite a lack of basic scientific knowledge, most Americans have a positive view of science and scientists. The survey found that over 90% of respondents believe scientists are dedicated to humanity's good, and nearly all think the benefits of science outweigh potential dangers.
New research suggests private exchanges like dark pools can actually improve price discovery in public markets by attracting less-informed traders. Well-informed investors may be unable to fill their orders quickly, prompting them to return to public exchanges for better liquidity.
A Yale University study found that 50% of women of reproductive age have never discussed their reproductive health with a provider, while 30% visit providers less than once a year or not at all. The study also revealed knowledge gaps on fertility concerns and optimal conception methods.
A Spanish study finds that women with lower socioeconomic status claim less sexual satisfaction, particularly in their first sexual intercourse. People with higher socioeconomic status are more likely to have safer and more satisfying sex lives.
Study participants focus on a small number of network members and allocate limited communication time accordingly. These distinct patterns persist over time despite changes in the network, reflecting limitations in maintaining emotionally close relationships.
A national survey of 497 mothers found that those familiar with MyPlate were more likely to be 'vegetable lovers' and involve their kids in meal prep. The study suggests involving kids in meal planning, making healthy options appealing to families, and utilizing the USDA's ChooseMyPlate website for practical tips.
A survey of over 2,500 Americans revealed that Angelina Jolie's public announcement about her preventive double mastectomy did not translate to increased knowledge of breast cancer risk and the BRCA gene mutation, highlighting a need for further education.
A survey reveals that regulatory agencies lack preparedness to manage nanotechnology risks, with respondents perceiving novel risks as a major challenge. The study suggests that regulators need input from a wide range of experts along the nanomaterial life cycle.
A recent UT Arlington study suggests that ethnically diverse workforces can lead to improved customer experiences, particularly for Hispanic and Asian customers. The research found that shared ethnicity between employees and customers increases perceptions of favoritism and enhances the overall retail experience.