ANN ARBOR—Engaging with youth involved in or susceptible to violent extremism is key in helping the U.S. government understand—and combat—terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, according to a position paper published in the journal Science. The article, led by University of Michigan Institute for Social Research scientist Scott Atran and co-authored… Continue reading Youth key to researching terrorism
Project: RCGD
PRBA celebrates 40th anniversary, announces new scholarship
ANN ARBOR—This past June, the Program for Research on Black Americans (PRBA) celebrated four productive decades with a reunion and the announcement of the James S. Jackson Emerging Scholars Fund, named after one of its founders. Established in 1976, PRBA was among the first university-based research and training programs in the country to focus on… Continue reading PRBA celebrates 40th anniversary, announces new scholarship
U-M researchers receive award from NSF for Advanced Computational Neuroscience Network
Three University of Michigan researchers will lead the Advanced Computational Neuroscience Network (ACNN) project as a “spoke” in the Midwest Big Data Hub program funded by the National Science Foundation. Richard Gonzalez, a psychologist and the director of the Research Center for Group Dynamics at the Institute for Social Research (ISR) and the BioSocial Methods… Continue reading U-M researchers receive award from NSF for Advanced Computational Neuroscience Network
Negative news about Muslims fuels public policy support against them
ANN ARBOR—News stories depicting Muslims as terrorists have fueled racism and anger among many non-Muslim Americans, who support civil restrictions and military action in Muslim countries, according to a new University of Michigan study. Other research has shown that minorities are often negatively portrayed in news media. Since September 2001, this increasingly has been the… Continue reading Negative news about Muslims fuels public policy support against them
Low testosterone, men’s empathy can determine parenting skills
ANN ARBOR—As they age, men often get concerned about their testosterone levels dropping. And rightfully so—it affects their sex drive and other health factors. But the hormone decline can also provide a window into men’s parenting. A new University of Michigan study found that when men saw their infants in distress, it lowered their testosterone.… Continue reading Low testosterone, men’s empathy can determine parenting skills
Marriages still resilient after the second child
ANN ARBOR—Many married couples can feel overwhelmed and stressed after their first child’s birth, but the transition period isn’t as long for the second child. While the initial four weeks after the second birth involves a period of adjustment, couples often adapt to the changes by four months—and the quality of their marriage returns to… Continue reading Marriages still resilient after the second child
Women in finance less likely to recommend their field to other women when stereotyped
ANN ARBOR—Gender stereotypes negatively affect women in male-dominated professions such as finance and banking, resulting in reduced well-being at work and less interest in recommending their field to young women. Researchers at the University of Michigan and University of Queensland in Australia said stereotyping women as weak, emotional or lacking in leadership skills on the… Continue reading Women in finance less likely to recommend their field to other women when stereotyped
Harsh parenting strategies undermine learning
ANN ARBOR—Before the new school year begins, here’s a pop quiz for parents of middle-school children: What do you do when your child brings home a bad report card? A. Lecture the child. B. Restrict her activities, such as participating in sports or clubs. C. Create a home environment that stimulates learning. Parents who want… Continue reading Harsh parenting strategies undermine learning
Leaders who can read the crowd do better
Ann Arbor—Performers call it “reading the crowd” or “sizing up the audience.” However you put it, new research from University of Michigan professor Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks shows this skill, which he calls emotional aperture, isn’t just important for performers. It can define your success as a business leader. He and a team of colleagues built on… Continue reading Leaders who can read the crowd do better
Simple equation: Moms talking math to preschoolers equals knowledgeable kids
ANN ARBOR—Preschool children improve their math skills when their mothers talk to them about math during meal times. The new study by researchers at the University of Michigan and Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile offers insight for parents on fostering their children’s math skills through discussions at home. “By knowing the type of math input… Continue reading Simple equation: Moms talking math to preschoolers equals knowledgeable kids