Social Sciences

News about UB’s social sciences programs, including anthropology, psychology and social work. (see all topics)

Study: Many choices seems promising until you actually have to choose
6/13/19
BUFFALO, N.Y. – People faced with more options than they can effectively consider want to make a good decision, but feel they’re unable to do so, according to the results of a novel study from the University at Buffalo that used cardiovascular measures and fictional dating profiles to reach its conclusions.
Marijuana use episodes linked to partner intimacy experiences
5/22/19
Marijuana use episodes among couples who frequently use the drug increase the likelihood of experiencing intimacy events, according to the results of a University at Buffalo-led study.
UB psychologist receives $2.2 million NIH grant to study school readiness
5/17/19
A UB psychologist has received a $2.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to examine the critical developmental and educational transition children make when moving from pre-k to kindergarten.
UB launches new center to study ingestive behavior
5/16/19
Many health problems are related to food choice, yet diet selection is a complex process that is not entirely understood. To coordinate, promote and foster research in an area so critical to maintaining proper health, UB has launched the Center for Ingestive Behavior Research.
Robust UN troop levels required to quickly bring civil wars to peaceful resolutions
5/9/19
UN peacekeeping operations can serve as valuable instruments for reducing the duration of civil wars, but PKOs require robust troop deployments to quickly and effectively move combatants in active conflicts toward negotiated settlements, according to a new UB study.
UB adds programs in Jewish Thought, criminology and sustainability
4/25/19
New degree and certificate programs are coming to the UB College of Arts and Sciences. UB’s Department of Jewish Thought will soon launch its master’s program; the Sociology department now has a bachelor’s degree in criminology; and an Advanced Certificate in Sustainability is offered through the Graduate Interdisciplinary Degree Program.
Strongly agree: The number of response options matter when using a Likert Scale
4/22/19
You’ve probably seen a Likert Scale even if you don’t know the ubiquitous measurement tool by name. In its traditional form, a researcher presents a statement followed by five response options of varying intensity and attitude. A UB psychologist decided to test the test.
New book details how railroad porters helped lead civil rights efforts in the U.S. and Canada
4/3/19
A new book by UB's Cecil Foster looks at the role that sleeping car porters, through their diligence and activism, played in helping to amend immigration policy and secure civil rights for a marginalized population.
UB researcher studies the binge-watching blues
4/1/19
Netflix can help you chill, but binge watching may be a looming epidemic, says a UB researcher who's studied some of the health effects of this phenomenon.
Poor pitch singing could be a matter of the tune in your head
3/14/19
Though it’s easy to hear when a singer hits a bad note, what’s causing it is inaudible. The silent, preparatory muscle movements of the face and larynx that occur when singers run a song through their heads could be nudging them out of tune.