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Public perceptions of immigration growth rates vary by how they are presented, with "1 in 40" seeming like a bigger number than "2.5%", necessitating care in presentation of such information

Researchers found that people perceive immigration growth rates as larger when presented in a non-numerical format, such as '1 in 40', compared to numerical formats like '2.5%'. This highlights the importance of clear and accurate communication when discussing sensitive topics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 2, 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

Honey, I shrunk the city: What should declining Japanese cities do?

A study reveals that shrinking Japanese cities are often medium-sized or small, and that urban policies should be tailored to their specific needs. The research found correlations between population changes and social, economic, and urban-planning factors in cities of varying sizes.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalEnvironment and Planning B Urban Analytics and City Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2024

Social messaging in soap operas can prevent violence and intergroup conflict

A study by Rezarta Bilali found that narrative interventions in soap operas can increase intergroup trust, promote role-modeling, and encourage people to create change in conflict-ridden areas. The research used experiments with radio and TV dramas across the world, showing positive effects of storytelling in shaping norms and raising ...

SourceNew York University·JournalEuropean Review of Social Psychology·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 12, 2024

Study: Direct incentives may boost hiring managers’ willingness to employ individuals with criminal convictions

A study found that direct incentives, such as tax credits and insurance, can increase hiring managers' willingness to hire applicants with prior records. The most effective incentives were a $2,400 tax credit and $25,000 insurance against losses, which worked regardless of conviction type or perceptions about performance.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateAug 26, 2024

Probiotics during pregnancy shown to help moms and babies

A new study by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that probiotics can improve the immune system and behavior of both mothers and their offspring during pregnancy. Probiotics may also help counteract negative effects of prenatal stress, such as changes in brain inflammation and amino acid metabolism.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 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

We can be heroes – Research reveals how ordinary people can become ‘situational heroes’

Research from the University of Birmingham found that British society has shifted towards 'situational heroism', where heroic actions and situational awareness are valued over traditional heroic figures. Ordinary people like Darryn Frost and Steve Gallant, who confronted a terrorist attacker, exemplify this new mode of heroism.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCritical Studies on Security·DateAug 6, 2024

AI and socioeconomic inequalities

Generative AI has both positive and negative effects on social equality, impacting work, education, healthcare, information, and misinformation. Policymakers are urged to implement policies such as tax code changes, data unions, and anti-misinformation campaigns to ensure the technology is used to increase equality

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 11, 2024

Managing mental health should be about more than mind

A holistic approach to mental health management involves integrating medication with lifestyle changes, social support, and community engagement. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental factors affecting mental health, emphasizing individual rights and dignity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 4, 2024

Study: Large language models can’t effectively recognize users’ motivation, but can support behavior change for those ready to act

Researchers found that large language model-based chatbots fail to recognize users' motivational states when they are hesitant about making healthy behavior changes. However, the chatbots can provide relevant information and support users who have established goals and a commitment to take action. The study highlights the limitations o...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

New findings released from US 2020 Facebook and Instagram election study

Researchers found that taking a break from Facebook and Instagram in the weeks leading up to the 2020 presidential election had little effect on people's political views or negative opinions of opposing parties. However, users who were off Facebook were worse at answering news quiz questions but less likely to fall for misinformation.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2024

Research finds pronoun use not only shaped by language but also beliefs

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General found that people's use of pronouns reflects not only their language but also their ideologies. Researchers asked participants from English and Turkish-speaking backgrounds to evaluate different types of pronouns, revealing a connection between societal attitudes and ...

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology General·DateApr 26, 2024

Marginalized communities developed 'disaster subculture' when living through extreme climate events, study finds

Residents in a Seoul, South Korea neighborhood have developed a 'disaster subculture' due to frequent extreme heat and cold, showing social welfare has a role to play in addressing climate issues. The study highlights the importance of understanding the lived experiences of marginalized communities to address their specific needs.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalInternational Journal of Social Welfare·TypeObservational study·DateApr 23, 2024

Chicago study: Sibling contact with criminal legal system harmful to children, families

A new study found that sibling criminal legal system contact disrupts home life for siblings and families, leading to increased behavioral issues in children, financial and material hardship for parents, and lower levels of social support. The study suggests that mass criminalization imperils families and children.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateApr 22, 2024

Tourism planning as a social practice in times of change and uncertainty: views from a troubled Latin American country

This study examines tourism planning practices in Ecuador using social practice theory, revealing traditional and emerging approaches. The findings highlight the importance of considering the knowledge, experience, and context of consultants in shaping tourism planning processes.

SourceEscuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral·JournalCurrent Issues in Tourism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 2, 2024

Less social with age

Researchers studied female Assamese macaques for eight years, finding that social networks decrease with age due to physical limitations and a desire to protect themselves from predators. The study's findings shed light on the biological roots of social aging in humans.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 15, 2024

Gun manufacturers’ ads appeal to women as ‘serious students’ of firearms to boost sales

A new study reveals that gun manufacturers have shifted their marketing strategy to appeal to women, portraying them as responsible and capable gun owners. The study found that the 'serious student' framing became popular between 2016 and 2020, depicting armed American women as pursuing expertise with firearms through focused training.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Macromarketing·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 12, 2024

Climate change? Global change!

The book offers hope and impetus in the right direction by demonstrating that human courage and reason can help overcome paralyzing fear. It highlights the need for self-reliance, revitalization of human values, personal and local action, and a global perspective to steer humanity towards a modern world.

Spaces to make-do and mend would bring new life into high streets, study says

A new study by the University of Exeter suggests that incorporating spaces for repairing and remaking clothes in shopping centers can promote sustainable fashion practices. Participants who took part in workshops reported engaging in more environmentally-oriented behaviors, such as buying fewer items and sourcing clothes ethically.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalSustainability·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2024

After COP28 “insider” climate activists will become increasingly important, study suggests.

A new study suggests climate activists are increasingly adopting 'insider' activist roles, working within their own organizations to drive meaningful change. Researchers identify different types of activists, including those who seek to undermine or challenge organizations, highlighting the growing importance of collaborative and conte...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2024

Applications open for School of Advanced Science on Transdisciplinarity for Transformative Change

The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Transdisciplinarity for Transformative Change is a training opportunity for graduate students and researchers to co-produce knowledge for global sustainability. The school will focus on transdisciplinarity in social-environmental sciences, offering state-of-the-art science and research results.

Around the globe, climate adaptation lacks coordination

A recent study reveals that climate adaptation efforts globally are largely isolated and uncoordinated, with a lack of cohesion in task distribution among various actors. Comprehensive, just, and forward-thinking adaptation requires involvement from multiple groups, including governments, organizations, and individuals.

SourceUniversity of Hamburg·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 12, 2023

Fair and sustainable futures beyond mining

A researcher from Göttingen University advises on overcoming difficulties faced by mining communities in transition, suggesting a three-step approach centered around stakeholder collaboration. This approach combines early planning, local-based solutions, and targeted investments to foster economic and workforce transformation.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Energy·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2023