ANN ARBOR – A group of University of Michigan researchers has been awarded a $3.4 million collaborative National Science Foundation convergence grant to develop and test methodologies for sampling, validating, and analyzing social media. A collaboration between U-M and Georgetown University, the project, “The Future of Quantitative Research in Social Science,” will cross-pollinate ideas from… Continue reading Interdisciplinary team of researchers receive $3.4M convergence grant from NSF
Project: RCGD
Grant will allow U-M researchers to study how poverty affects the brain
ANN ARBOR—Researchers know that adversity—especially poverty-related adversity—increases the risk for anxiety and depression. Now, University of Michigan researchers have won a $6.7 million grant to study how poverty-related adversity might affect the development of threat and reward systems in the brain, and how that developmental process might increase the risk for people to develop anxiety… Continue reading Grant will allow U-M researchers to study how poverty affects the brain
U-M research shows how wealth begets educational disparity
ANN ARBOR—It’s no secret that students whose families have more money typically perform better in school than those who come from homes with fewer financial resources. Now, new research led by the University of Michigan that followed students over a 27-year period sheds light on just how wealth influences learning outcomes, and why it may… Continue reading U-M research shows how wealth begets educational disparity
Racial discrimination linked to suicidal thoughts in African American men
ANN ARBOR—Suicide deaths among African American men have risen dramatically during the last 20 years, and racial discrimination may be a contributing factor in many cases, say University of Michigan researchers. A new U-M study found that various forms of discrimination are associated with increased rates of depression. When it involves racial discrimination, the risk… Continue reading Racial discrimination linked to suicidal thoughts in African American men
Seeing the doctor? Relax, you’ll remember more
ANN ARBOR—Some patients feel shame, anxiety or fear immediately before seeing their doctor, making them tense. But if they can relax and become calm, patients will likely pay attention to and better comprehend health messages, suggests a new University of Michigan study. Researchers tested whether increasing one’s positive self through meditation can lessen the patient’s… Continue reading Seeing the doctor? Relax, you’ll remember more
Looking at cognitive triggers for extremist violence through brain scans
ANN ARBOR—In a new journal article, a team of scientists led by Scott Atran, an adjunct research professor at the University of Michigan’s Ford School and Institute for Social Research, reveals insights into the psychology of radicalization and terrorist violence, gained by scanning the brains of men who support a terror organization associated with Al… Continue reading Looking at cognitive triggers for extremist violence through brain scans
Jacqui Smith Awarded Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology Award
Jacqui Smith was awarded the 2019 Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology Award by the Gerontological Society of America. This award is given to an individual who has fostered excellence in, and had a major impact on, the field by virtue of their mentoring, and whose inspiration is sought by students and colleagues.
Jacqui Smith (Michigan) receives Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology Award from the Gerontological Society of America
Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology Award Recipient: Jacqui Smith, PhD, FGSA, of the University of Michigan This award is given to an individual who has fostered excellence in, and had a major impact on, the field by virtue of their mentoring, and whose inspiration is sought by students and colleagues.
Responding to extremist attacks: For Muslim leaders, ‘It’s damned if you do, damned if you don’t’
ANN ARBOR—Muslim leaders face a perilous task when asked to publicly respond to violent attacks carried out by Muslim extremists. Expressing empathy can satisfy non-Muslims, but accepting group responsibility can cultivate a perception of collective guilt, according to a newly published University of Michigan study. Researchers used three experiments—two real incidents and one fictional incident… Continue reading Responding to extremist attacks: For Muslim leaders, ‘It’s damned if you do, damned if you don’t’
Toni Antonucci Recipient of the 2020 APS Mentor Award
The APS Mentor Award recognizes psychology researchers and educators who have shaped the future directions of science by fostering the careers of students and colleagues. A mentor can be many things: That professor or advisor who made a special effort, transforming our career paths; that inspirational researcher who influenced a larger group of scientists through… Continue reading Toni Antonucci Recipient of the 2020 APS Mentor Award