Category: Social Psychology
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Celebrity Faces Influence Gaze Following, Study Finds
A recent study has revealed that celebrity status plays a key role in directing our attention, regardless of age. The research, which explored the “celebrity effect” on gaze following, found that both younger and older adults are more likely to follow the gaze of famous individuals, such as political leaders and entertainment stars, compared to… Read more
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Study Finds Cross-Race College Roommates Foster Diverse Friendships Without Sacrificing Relationship Quality
New research exploring the effects of random roommate assignment in college settings has provided fresh insights into how cross-race interactions shape students’ social networks. The study, which analyzed roommate pairings between White and racially minoritized students, suggests that sharing a room with someone from a different racial background leads to a more diverse friendship network.… Read more
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New Study Reveals Racial Bias in Language Models Toward African American English
In a groundbreaking study published in Nature, researchers led by Hofmann et al. have uncovered disturbing evidence that large language models (LLMs), which are increasingly used in various applications, exhibit significant racial biases against African American English (AAE). This study highlights the covert racism embedded in these technologies, which could have serious implications for their… Read more
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Digital Peer Pressure: Revisiting Asch’s Conformity Research in the Age of Online Moral Judgments
Solomon Asch’s line-judging experiments, conducted in the early 1950s, remain a cornerstone of social psychology. These studies, which explored the dynamics of social conformity, revealed profound insights into how individuals often align their responses with those of a group, even when it contradicts their own perceptions. Understanding Asch’s research is essential for grasping how conformity… Read more
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Climate Risk Perceptions Linked to Heat Exposure, Study Finds
A recent study examining the perceptions of climate risks in the Phoenix metropolitan area has revealed significant disparities in how residents view the dangers posed by extreme heat and global climate change. These differences are closely tied to factors such as income, race, neighborhood attachment, and political beliefs, underscoring the complexities of urban climate adaptation.… Read more
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Social Setting Amplifies Alcohol’s Effects, Study Finds
A recent study published in Addiction Biology has shed light on how social environments can amplify the effects of alcohol, particularly its stimulant and euphoric properties. The research, conducted on animal models, suggests that drinking in a social setting may enhance the hyperactive and euphoric effects of alcohol, a finding that could have significant implications… Read more
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Misperceptions of Racial Progress in U.S. Workplaces Hinder True Equity
August 5, 2024 — Recent studies have highlighted a significant gap between perceived and actual progress toward diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in U.S. workplaces. Despite a surge in organizational commitments to address racial injustice, the average American worker remains largely unaware of how little progress has been made in achieving racial equity in organizational… Read more
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New Study Reveals Effective Strategies to Curb Handheld Phone Use While Driving
A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) has shed light on effective strategies to reduce handheld phone use among drivers, highlighting the importance of engaging performance feedback and modest financial incentives. The study tested various interventions aimed at creating sustained behavior change in phone use habits while driving. Participants in the study were given different interventions,… Read more