Social Sciences

There’s a common assumption that if someone starts learning a language when they are very young, they will quickly become fluent. Many people also assume that it will become much harder to learn a language […]

A study by the University of New Hampshire challenges common assumptions about aging and intimacy, revealing that many single adults aged 60 to 83 continue to prioritize sexual activity in their romantic relationships—underscoring the enduring […]

Use of chat and text services has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Rachel Joy Voth Schrag, a UT Arlington professor of social work. Understanding how survivors use these digital channels, she said, is […]

Social media platforms, often praised for giving everyone a voice, can reinforce inequality and deepen the exclusion of marginalized communities, new research from the University of Bath School of Management shows. The study focused on […]

When you make a small mistake that doesn’t harm anyone else—such as tripping over a curb or misremembering a name—people will like you more if you can laugh at yourself rather than act embarrassed, finds […]

As a growing number of fast-food chains adopt artificial intelligence (AI) technology for drive-thru ordering, customers are more likely to order indulgent food options when interacting with voice AI rather than a human employee, according […]

People who prefer structured, rule-based explanations may find conspiracy theories appealing because they offer a clear, ordered explanation for events that feel chaotic. New research led by Flinders University has found that understanding how someone […]

“Play nicely, children,” has been a familiar plea of stressed-out parents and teachers since time immemorial. Now, new research suggests that getting children to play together cooperatively may depend less on their social skills than […]

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts have been around for a while, but their impact can sometimes be underwhelming. A pair of papers co-authored by ILR Assistant Professor Merrick R. Osborne examines why some DEI […]

For many Australians working in high-risk industries, the answer is a resounding no, and that’s a problem. A new study by Flinders University reveals that fear of punishment and lack of trust in management are […]