Latest science news in Psychology & Sociology
Women and the maths problem | Helen Powell
The researchers are right: girls are held back by preconceptions about maths being boring, not a 'stereotype threat' lack of beliefWomen's underachievement in maths may not be due to their poor self-image in...
Benefits of high quality child care persist 30 years later: research
Adults who participated in a high quality early childhood education program in the 1970s are still benefiting from their early experiences in a variety of ways, according to a new...
Good Intentions Ease Others’ Pain, Add to Pleasure
A nurse’s tender loving care really does ease the pain of a medical procedure, and grandma’s cookies really do taste better, if we perceive them to be made with love...
One early winner in SOPA protest: Wikipedia
With its 24-hour demonstration in muscle-flexing, Wikipedia demonstrates the political potential of crowdsourcing
Well Blog: Boosting Mental Fitness in Middle Age
For those in midlife and beyond, a college degree appears to slow the brain's aging process by up to a decade, adding a new twist to the cost-benefit analysis of...
New study supports link between inequality and crime
(PhysOrg.com) -- Compelling new evidence of a link between inequality and crime in England invites reconsideration of the individualistic 'tough on crime' stances of recent New Labour and Conservative governments...
Where you vote may influence how you vote, researchers find
Passersby who stopped to answer surveys taken next to churches in the Netherlands and England reported themselves as more politically conservative and more negative toward non-Christians than did people questioned...
To 'think outside the box', think outside the box
(Medical Xpress) -- Want to think outside the box? Try actually thinking outside of a box. In a study to be published in an upcoming issue of Psychological Science, a...
Study of Facebook patterns suggests interests in music, movies unlikely to spread among friends
Using data collected from Facebook, Harvard sociologists have addressed one of the great unsolved puzzles of social science — do we form friendships with people because we share similar interests,...
Verandas and eggshell examination could improve hen welfare
The report by academics at the University of Bristol's School of Veterinary Sciences, funded by the Morrisons Farming Programme, examined health challenges facing the modern free-range laying hen and identified...
Report backs government-funded older people's advice service
Analysis of the FirstStop initiative reveals that the service saves money and improves quality of life.
The advantage of ambiguity
Why did language evolve? While the answer might seem obvious — as a way for individuals to exchange information — linguists and other students of communication have debated this question for years. Many...
China to further tighten control of microblogs
A senior Chinese propaganda official has said real-name registration for the nation's hugely popular microblogs will be expanded, as authorities tighten their grip on the web amid fear of unrest.
Science questions 'stump parents'
With more children into science and maths, parents are increasingly feeling left behind, suggests a survey.
UK death in a home setting on the rise
Although around two thirds of us would prefer to die at home, in the developed world the trend in recent years has been for the majority to spend their final...
Study: Texting doesn't relieve stress
MADISON, Wis., Jan. 18 (UPI) -- A person who is stressed and sends a text message rather than picking up the phone or seeking comfort in person doesn't get...
Behavioral priming paradigm needs update
Behavioral priming, in which behavior is changed by introducing subconscious influences, is a well-established phenomenon, but a new study shows that the cause may be different than what was previously...
Unhappy at work? The boss or the company may be to blame
If our psychological needs at work are met, we are more likely to be happy. If you are unhappy at work, it could be partly due to your boss' management...
Celebrity trainer says we need to understand our dogs more
Victoria Stilwell, star of US TV series It's Me or the Dog, blames poor ownership over inherent aggression in animalsResponsible ownership, positive training and a better understanding of man's supposed best friend is...
Serial killing follows predictable pattern based on brain activity
(PhysOrg.com) -- Over a period of 12 years, Andrei Chikatilo murdered at least 53 people before being arrested in Rostov, Russia, in 1990. While Chikatilos killings, mainly of women and...
Choking game prevalent among teens in Texas
Nearly one out of seven college students surveyed at a Texas university has participated in the Choking Game, a dangerous behavior where blood flow is deliberately cut off to the...
Do you suffer from 'Facebook depression?'
A new study by Utah Valley University looked at the phenomenon generally known as "Facebook depression."
Taste test
Using data collected from Facebook, Harvard sociologists have addressed one of the great unsolved puzzles of social science — do we form friendships with people because we share similar interests, or do we...
Life-long intelligence in the genes
Life-long intelligence in the genesNature News , 18012012 doi: 10.1038/nature.2012.9842Heidi LedfordStudy tracks cognitive stability from childhood to old age and reveals extent of genetic influence.
Genes Important to Keep Brain Sharp Through Old Age
Genes involved in cognitive decline could be involved in dementia and related diseases.
Clues to addiction
Harvard scientists have developed the fullest picture yet of how neurons in the brain interact to reinforce behaviors ranging from learning to drug use, a finding that might open the door to...
FOR KIDS: The brain behind the game
Top athletes watch and learn from their teams, coaches and opponents
Egypt's scientists savour post-revolution year
The Egyptian revolution has led to a golden year for science with increased investment, ambitious plans and a renaissance of public interest.