Category: Psychology
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Chris Westbury, University of Alberta – Mathematical Theory of Humor
What makes you laugh? Chris Westbury, professor in the department of psychology at the University of Alberta, explores humor and why we find weird things funny. I am a professor at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta. I am a clinically-trained research psychologist whose work focuses on understanding the cognitive structure and neurological underpinnings of…
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Chris Ferguson, Stetson University – Sex on TV and Teen Behavior
Does more sexual content in mass media lead to more teen sexual behavior? Chris Ferguson, associate professor of psychology at Stetson University, examines this question. Christopher Ferguson holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Central Florida. He has clinical experience particularly in working with offender and juvenile justice populations as well as…
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Claire Vallotton, Michigan State University – Dad’s Mental Health Matters
How important are fathers to a child’s wellbeing? Claire Vallotton, associate professor in the department of Human Development and Family Studies at Michigan State University, examines what effect being a good dad can have on your kids. Dr. Vallotton earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Simpson College, and a Ph.D. in Human Development from…
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Jean Twenge, San Diego State University – Are Millennials More Sexually Active?
Are millennials more sexually active than previous generations? Jean Twenge, professor of psychology at San Diego State University, explores if social media and other factors have led to a rise in sexual exploration among youth. Jean M. Twenge, Professor of psychology at San Diego State University, is the author of more than 100 scientific publications and…
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Mary Steffel, Northeastern University – Passing the Buck
We like choosing for ourselves – but how about for others? Mary Steffel, assistant professor of marketing at Northeastern University, examines when people pass the buck when it comes to making decisions. Professor Steffel’s research is at the interface of consumer behavior, social psychology, and judgment and decision making. She employs experimental research methods to…
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James Roberts, Baylor University – Is Cell Phone Addiction Real?
How many times will you look at your smartphone while listening to this program? James Roberts, professor of marketing at Baylor University, examines whether smartphone addiction is real. Dr. Roberts is a well-known author with approximately 75 articles published in the academic literature. He is currently a Professor of Marketing and the W.A. Mays Professor…
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Vanessa Brown, Nottingham Trent University – Why Fashion Models Don’t Smile
Why don’t fashion models smile? Vanessa Brown, senior lecturer in the school of art & design at Nottingham Trent University, explores this question. Vanessa’s research is focused around visual culture and the relationships between identity and the potential meanings of everyday designed objects within modernity. For example, femininity, feminism and the image of the ideal…
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Frank McAndrew, Knox College – Why High School Never Ends
High school memories never fade. Frank McAndrew, professor of psychology at Knox College, details why the memories made during our formative years are so strong no matter how old we are. To the extent that there is a common theme tying my research together, it is that I study human social behavior from an evolutionary…
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Julia Jaekel, University of Tennessee Knoxville – Refugee Mother’s Child Care Practices
There are more refugees than ever before – what does this mean for refugee mothers? Julia Jaekel, Assistant Professor in the Department of Child and Family Studies at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, explains why keeping homeland child caring practices should be important for all refugee mothers. Dr. Julia Jaekel is an Assistant Professor in…
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Thomas Brown, McGill University – Risky Drivers
Not all reckless drivers are alike. Thomas Brown, assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at McGill University, examines each type of risky driver. Thomas G. Brown, Ph.D. and his team of students and collaborators are developing psychosocial interventions to combat substance abuse. They also aim to identify individual characteristics of vulnerability in order to…