Social Sciences

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

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.
Smartphones help UB researcher better understand the nature of depression and anxiety
2/21/19
New research by a UB psychologist is using smartphones to repeatedly and frequently measure symptoms of anxiety and depression, in real time, to learn how immediate feelings relate to later symptoms.
UB faculty member receives prestigious psychology award
2/11/19
Kristin Gainey, assistant professor of psychology at UB, has received the American Psychological Association’s 2018 Early Career Distinguished Scientific awards, a recognition that’s among the field’s highest honors of achievement.
Hispanic males most likely to have a fatal interaction with police in segregated neighborhoods
2/7/19
While most media attention seems to focus on the number of black males killed by police, new UB research indicates that among men of color, Hispanic males were two times more likely to have a fatal interaction with the police in neighborhoods that have a high percentage of Hispanic residents.
Difficulties with audiovisual processing contributes to dyslexia in children
1/15/19
A UB psychologist has published a neuroimaging study that could help develop tests for early identification of dyslexia, a disorder that effects 80 percent of those diagnosed with difficulties reading, writing and spelling.
Fearful conservatives and angry liberals process political information differently
1/9/19
Fear and anger related to the 2016 presidential election and climate change, one of the campaign’s major issues, had different effects on the way conservatives and liberals processed information about the two topics, according to a new UB study.
Twelve ways UB researchers made groundbreaking discoveries 鈥� and headlines 鈥� in 2018
12/21/18
From identifying a potential autism treatment to creating fungal-fighting 3-D printed dentures — here are some highlights from a year of discovery.