The Generation X report
A University of Michigan report found that less than half of Generation X adults can identify the Milky Way galaxy. The study also discovered a link between knowledge about the universe and personal attitudes.
Social Surveys
Research using surveys to study people and society. Covers consumer studies, dietary change, social-media and mood links, and public opinion.
Many high school football players not concerned about concussions
A new study found that many high school football players are not concerned about concussions and don't report their symptoms due to fear of being excluded from play. The survey showed that only a marginal change in behaviors and concerns for health consequences has occurred despite increased media attention.
New tools for assessing the patient's experience with health care--progress report
A special supplement to Medical Care presents a progress report on the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) surveys, which capture patients' perspectives on healthcare. The CAHPS project aims to move beyond simple patient satisfaction surveys by asking patients about their experiences with health care services.
Hidden stroke impairment leaves thousands suffering in silence
A survey in southern Ontario found that only 2% of respondents could correctly identify aphasia as a communication disorder affecting speaking, reading, writing and understanding. This highlights the need for increased awareness and access to speech-language therapy and supportive programs for people living with chronic aphasia.
Hypertension not so simple
Leading hypertension specialists recommend the inclusion of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in national health surveys to accurately detect hypertension. This advanced diagnostic method can identify mitigating factors affecting diagnosis, such as white coat hypertension and nocturnal hypertension.
SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Society of Hypertension·DateSep 25, 2012
People change moral position without even realizing it
Researchers discovered that people's moral attitudes are more flexible than thought, with participants often constructing coherent arguments supporting the opposite of their original position. The study highlights the potential limitations of self-reported questionnaires in capturing complex attitudes.
Survey shifts spotlight away from poor as key supporters of militants in Pakistan
A survey of 6,000 Pakistani adults found that the middle class is more supportive of militant groups than the poor, contradicting the notion that poverty makes people more susceptible to terrorist appeals. The survey also revealed that exposure to militant violence reduces support for these groups.
Does gallows humor among physicians encourage accusations of murder and euthanasia?
A recent survey found that nearly three-quarters of physicians reported being 'humorously' accused of promoting death by fellow healthcare professionals. This phenomenon is rooted in societal beliefs about end-of-life care, with many Americans believing it's a mortal sin to hasten death.
Why retire later?
A University of Michigan study proposes eliminating social security payroll taxes starting at age 55 to encourage workers to stay on the job. This would result in a 10.6% increase in take-home pay and a 1.5-year extension of working life.
Only 2 percent of Canadians deny climate change
A recent survey conducted by IPAC-CO2 Research Inc. found that only 2% of Canadians reject the concept of climate change, while most believe it is real and caused by human activity. The survey also revealed divisions in opinions on how to address climate change, with some prioritizing cleaner cars and others supporting a carbon tax.
Chain of violence
A new study by the University of Michigan found that children exposed to ethnic and political violence in the Middle East exhibit increased aggression, with younger children most affected. Exposure to conflict and violence is linked to aggressive behavior among children, particularly in families, schools, and neighborhoods.
Binge drinking college students are happier than their non-binge drinking peers
Research suggests that binge drinking is associated with high status and happiness in college, particularly among wealthy, male, white, and Greek affiliated students. However, lower status groups experience increased social satisfaction through binge drinking.
Longer time to find new job, less pay for moms laid off during recession
A recent recession has disproportionately affected married mothers, with them spending more time between jobs and earning less after re-employment. The study found that married moms take up to 17 weeks longer to find a new job compared to married dads, with women experiencing a $175 decrease in weekly earnings.
War is not necessarily the cause of post-traumatic stress disorder
A large-scale survey of Danish soldiers found that many exhibited symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) before being deployed to Afghanistan. The study revealed that childhood traumas were a significant factor in their mental state, and that war itself was not the primary cause of PTSD.
Longer time to find new job, less pay for moms laid off during recession
A 2010 survey found married moms spent more time between jobs and earned less after re-employment compared to married dads. The study suggests a 'motherhood penalty' in the workplace, where women's family decisions may signal a lack of commitment to work.
The first public data release from BOSS, the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey
The Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) has released its first public data, providing spectra for 535,995 galaxies, 102,100 quasars, and 116,474 stars. This dataset will help track the universe's expansion history, probing gravity and dark energy.
Race may play significant role in presidential election, survey finds
A survey of 15,000 voters found that white Americans tend to prefer people of their own race, with over 70% showing implicit racial bias. The research team measured unconscious racial attitudes using the Implicit Association Test (IAT) and found a significant pattern among eligible white voters.
Pollution can make citizens – both rich and poor – go green
A Michigan State University study reveals that exposure to environmental harm increases the likelihood of environmentally-friendly behaviors among urban Chinese residents, regardless of economic status. People are more likely to act when they feel a sense of personal responsibility and can take control of their actions.
Male Ontario students show declines in fighting; females show elevated bullying and mental distress
The 2011 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey reveals that psychological distress and suicidal ideation are concerns, especially among female students. Bullying and anti-social behaviour remain issues, with girls reporting being twice as likely to be cyber-bullied.
Generation X is surprisingly unconcerned about climate change
A University of Michigan report found that Generation X is lukewarm about climate change, with a small but statistically significant decline in concern between 2009 and 2011. Only 5% of surveyed Gen Xers were alarmed, while 18% were concerned, with education and scientific knowledge being key factors in explaining levels of concern.
Study examines patient experience at safety-net hospitals
Safety-net hospitals performed poorly on nearly every measure of patient experience, with significant gaps in communication and care. The study suggests that these hospitals face financial consequences under value-based purchasing programs, highlighting the need for targeted quality-improvement initiatives.
Twenty percent of US women were uninsured in 2010, up from 15 percent in 2000
According to the Commonwealth Fund report, 20% of US women were uninsured in 2010, up from 15% in 2000. The Affordable Care Act has helped reduce the uninsured rate among women, with an estimated drop below 14% in states where more than one quarter of women lacked coverage in 2009/10.
The perception of corruption in Spain is above the European average
A study by the Rey Juan Carlos University found that objective corruption data for Spain is higher in politics than administrative-official institutions, but Spaniards perceive corruption as a major issue. The researchers attribute this discrepancy to cultural and institutional factors.
SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalRevista Española de Investigaciones Sociológicas·DateJun 26, 2012
Buying life experiences to impress others removes happiness boost
A new study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies suggests that consumers who buy life experiences to impress others experience a decrease in happiness. In contrast, individuals who purchase experiences for personal reasons report greater fulfillment and well-being.
Global science
The new book concludes that American science is in good health, with traditional values helping the nation maintain its strength. While there are areas of concern, such as declining scientists' earnings and a decline in academic positions, the authors argue that globalization promotes efficiency through knowledge sharing.
Size of voluntary sector workforce larger than previous estimates, says new research
The study found that the voluntary sector accounts for 5% of the UK's workforce, with London and the South East having a significant concentration of third sector employment. The region's share of third sector employment is less in areas considered disadvantaged.
Soccer study finds 93 percent of fans would support openly gay players
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sociology found that 93% of football fans oppose homophobia and would support openly gay players. The research identifies conservative clubs and agents as major barriers to change in the sport's culture.
Religion is a potent force for cooperation and conflict, research shows
A study by University of Michigan anthropologists finds that religious rituals can foster cooperation among group members, while sacred values can sustain intractable conflicts. However, participation in collective religious ritual can also increase parochial altruism and opposition to compromise.
OMG! Texting ups truthfulness, new iPhone study suggests
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that people are more likely to disclose sensitive information via text messages than in voice interviews. Texting also led to more precise answers, as respondents had less time pressure in an asynchronous mode.
Undocumented Latino youth turn to activism to combat obstacles
A study by UCI anthropologist Leo Chavez details experiences of young undocumented immigrants, finding they often become involved in campaigns to change the law due to societal perception as disposable. The study found that these individuals face social constraints, limited economic opportunities and lower levels of education compared ...
Disparities in treatment of children in the emergency department based on their insurance status
A new study found significant disparities in emergency department treatment based on children's insurance status. Children with private, public, and no insurance were less likely to undergo testing, receive medication, or undergo procedures, but more likely to be diagnosed with a significant illness.
Support for climate change action drops, Stanford poll finds
A recent Stanford poll found that support for government action on global warming dropped by an average of 5 percentage points per year between 2010 and 2012, from 72% to 62%. This shift was influenced by political rhetoric and cooler-than-average weather, but not economics.
Retirement plans after the Great Recession
A U-Mich study tracks changes in retirement plans after the Great Recession, finding that people who postponed retirement also expected to leave less for their heirs. Most respondents planned to work an additional 1-3 years due to financial losses, but few aimed to recoup their entire economic loss
Global warming: New research emphasizes the role of economic growth
A University of Michigan study finds a significant correlation between world GDP and CO2 concentrations, highlighting the need for drastic changes in economic habits to combat global warming. The research suggests that carbon taxes could be an effective solution to reduce emissions and stabilize the climate.
Small 'neural focus groups' predict anti-smoking ad success
A study by researchers from the University of Michigan and others found that brain scans of a small group of people can predict the actions of entire populations. The neural reactions of a few individuals can forecast the responses of many other people to ad campaigns promoting specific behaviors.
Kinder Houston Area Survey reveals more Houstonians support mass transit
The survey found that a majority of Harris County residents (56%) believe a well-developed mass transit system is very important for the future success of the Houston area. Additionally, perspectives on the local economy have improved, with 48% of respondents rating job opportunities as excellent or good, but personal financial situati...
Study shows that, in restaurants, race matters
A North Carolina State University study reveals that over one-third of restaurant servers admit to discriminating against African-American customers, with many perceiving black patrons as impolite or poor tippers. The survey found that 38.5% of servers reported varying their service based on customers' race, highlighting the persistenc...
Canadian drug shortage: recent history of a mystery
A recent shortage of prescription generic drugs in Canada has highlighted the issue for two years, with up to 98% of pharmacists experiencing shortages during working shifts. The problem is exacerbated by the affordability issues faced by 10% of Canadians who rely on these medications.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 23, 2012
Reminders of secular authority reduce believers' distrust of atheists
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that reminding people about secular authority decreases their distrust of atheists. The research suggests that when individuals are reminded of the role of government and law in maintaining social order, they become less negative towards atheists.
Bioethicists urge less regulatory burden for low-risk comparative effectiveness research
A team of Johns Hopkins bioethicists argues that federal restrictions on low-risk clinical comparative effectiveness research should be streamlined, despite the proposed changes only covering social and behavior research. The authors believe this type of research poses little risk to patients and needs more efficient oversight.
Survey finds errors in Wikipedia articles
A survey of public relations professionals found that 60 percent of articles on their company's clients contained factual errors. The research highlights the need for clear guidelines and consistent rules from Wikipedia regarding factual corrections, as many respondents struggled with engaging editors and securing responses.
Andy Michael honored for distinguished service to Seismological Society of America
Andy Michael, a USGS geophysicist, has been recognized for his transformative work on the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America (BSSA), the premier seismology journal. His innovative refinements and modernization efforts have significantly impacted international scientific communication.
Beanballs and the psychology of revenge
A study by Brown University psychologist Fiery Cushman found that 44% of baseball fans approved of a pitcher targeting an innocent player to avenge a teammate. The researchers suggest this 'vicarious punishment' may be driven by honor or deterrence, rather than moral responsibility.
Internet use promotes democracy best in countries that are already partially free
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that internet use is most effective in promoting democracy in countries with partial freedoms. In these nations, increased internet penetration and online activity drive demand for democratic reforms. However, the internet has limited impact in highly authoritarian regimes, where ruler...
U-M Health and Retirement Study adds genetic data to NIH database
The study's addition of genetic data provides a major new dimension for research, combining genetic background with data on older people's lives. Researchers will be able to describe behavioral and environmental risk factors for disease and disability.
Substance use linked to Internet gambling
A study published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking found that online gamblers reported more frequent and problematic drinking and cannabis use compared to offline-only gamblers. The research suggests that online gambling may be associated with increased risks of substance-related behaviors.
Significant global shortfall of trained eye doctors now and in future
The number of ophthalmologists worldwide is insufficient to meet the growing demands of ageing populations and developing countries. The global shortfall of trained eye doctors is a pressing concern, particularly in low-income countries where capacity is increasing faster than the population.
Survey paints a portrait of the UK
The survey highlights the challenges faced by young people, including unemployment and lack of access to higher education. It also reveals a diverse UK population with increasing connections to other countries, particularly among White British individuals.
Green schools and students' science scores are related
A CU Denver study reveals a positive correlation between Green School practices and student achievement in science, with the Midwest region showing the highest average survey score. The research highlights the importance of green schools in promoting environmental literacy and sustainability.
Real-life CSI: Study to gauge stress of forensic scientists
A study aims to gauge the stress of forensic scientists, examining their job satisfaction and working environments. The researchers plan to develop policy recommendations to improve efficiency and job satisfaction.
From Adam's housecat to zydeco: Dictionary of American Regional English completed
The Dictionary of American Regional English has completed its fifth volume, covering Sl to Z, after nearly five decades of research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The dictionary records regional variations in words, phrases, pronunciations, and grammar across the US.
Voters overrate favorite candidates
A new study from Northwestern University suggests that people consistently believe their preferred candidate will win an election, even if they're behind in the polls. The false consensus effect, a psychological phenomenon, is thought to be driving this trend.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2012
Some physicians do not agree with, uphold standards on communication with patients
A significant minority of physicians admitted to not fully disclosing medical errors due to fear of lawsuits and telling a patient something untrue. The study highlights the need for open and honest communication between doctors and patients.
Study reveals new wrinkle in growing US health gap
A new study found that health disparities have grown dramatically among people in the same socioeconomic groups, often more than between groups. Researchers identified factors such as income instability and changes in population composition contributing to these growing disparities.
Getting pious with a little help from our friends
A Baylor University study found that friendships forged at church play a significant role in people's religious activities and beliefs. The larger the proportion of friends, the more likely an individual will be active in their religious behaviors.
Generation X: How young adults deal with influenza
A University of Michigan report found that young adults in Generation X were moderately concerned about the flu and followed the issue closely. Despite a low vaccination rate, they responded accordingly by being well-informed and taking actions to protect themselves and their families.
Cigarette and alcohol use at historic low among teens
Teenage cigarette and alcohol use has declined to its lowest point since the survey began in 1975, with 18.7% of 12th-graders reporting current cigarette use. However, alternate tobacco products, marijuana, and prescription drug abuse continue to be concerns, with high rates of abuse reported among teens.
Why do some Mexican parents discourage teens' physical activity?
A University of Illinois survey found that Mexican college applicants who were physically active reported more conflict about exercise at home than those who were not. The study suggests that parents' cultural beliefs and attitudes towards physical activity can be a significant barrier to teens' engagement in regular exercise.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateDec 5, 2011
Public misperception about scientific agreement on global warming undermines climate policy support
A recent survey found near unanimous agreement among climate scientists on human-caused global warming, but many Americans believe most scientists disagree. This misperception reduces certainty about global warming and climate policy support. Correcting this misunderstanding is crucial to addressing the issue.
The Generation X Report: U-M survey paints a surprisingly positive portrait
A University of Michigan survey found most Gen Xers lead active, balanced, and happy lives, with 90% participating in outdoor activities and 40% engaging in two or more recreation and leisure activities per month. Generation X adults are also engaged in community organizations, read regularly, and report high levels of happiness.