Social Sciences

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

UB sociologist warns that citizenship question undermines census data
11/9/18
To include a citizenship question as part of the 2020 decennial census would most likely undercut the accuracy of determining the U.S. population and risks politicizing an instrument critical to democracy, according to a UB sociologist.
New study shows reading is a team-lift as different brain parts work together to predict proficiency
10/2/18
A new UB study suggests that extent to which sensory-specific parts of the brain are able to connect as a network, not necessarily anatomically, but functionally, during a child’s development predicts their reading proficiency.
Community satisfaction demands interaction
10/1/18
Being a good neighbor can have a powerful effect on residents’ attitudes and behaviors even for those living in highly disadvantaged communities, according to a new UB study.
Your Facebook friends don’t mean it, but they’re likely hurting you daily
9/26/18
Social media sites often present users with social exclusion information in certain posts that can actually inhibit intelligent thought, according to a UB study that takes a critical look not just at Facebook and other similar platforms.
Study shows link between breastfeeding and infant health is not straight-forward
9/25/18
A new UB study is adding critical nuance toward better understanding the association between breastfeeding and infant health in the first year of life.
Take a step back from yourself to better realize the benefits of awe
9/21/18
An awe-inspiring experience can have negative consequences as well as benefits, according to a UB-led study that uses cardiovascular responses to stress to take a broad look at awe and the critical role perspective plays in it.
Poorest Americans most likely to have used prescription opioids — and most users view opioids positively
9/12/18
Among older Americans, the poorest are the most likely to have used prescription opioids, according to a UB study providing new insights into unexplored contours of the opioid crisis.
UB expert’s election forecasting model predicts big House gains for Dems
9/4/18
Democrats could gain as many as 44 seats and emerge from November’s mid-term elections with control in the House of Representatives, according to an innovative forecasting tool developed by a UB political scientist.
Trump supporters on U.S. campuses more likely to show prejudice toward international students
8/29/18
Research has shown that, as a group, international students face prejudice from segments of the domestic student population, and a new UB study suggests that stereotypes alone do not lead to that prejudice.
Celebrity culture likely contributed to destigmatizing out-of-wedlock childbirth
8/29/18
A new UB study of 40 years of data from one reputable celebrity news source suggests that celebrities in fact have fewer out-of-wedlock childbirths compared to the rest of the U.S. population.