Our understanding of language relies on more than just the spoken word. A myriad of external cues, like nonverbal signals and a person’s characteristics, contribute to how we understand and process language as we speak …
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New UW institute to study evidence-based solutions to diversity-related challenges
The University of Wisconsin–Madison has launched the Institute for Diversity Science as a hub for the many researchers on campus studying causes and consequences of discrimination and evaluating solutions that may help companies and cities …
Nick Buttrick in Los Angeles Times: Why former slave states became the foundation for American gun culture
There are a lot of guns in America — this nation has collectively more civilian-owned guns than we have citizens. Unlike the rest of the developed world, firearms ownership in America is broadly held, with an …
Niedenthal and other top social scientists offer wisdom for a post-pandemic world
Which aspect of of social life will show the most significant positive societal and/or psychological change in response to the pandemic? What piece of wisdom do people need to make it through the pandemic? These …
Niedenthal and Smith address pandemic’s emotional toll
Paula Niedenthal, professor of psychology, and Karen Smith, post-doctoral scholar, spoke with The Journal Times about how the pandemic affects our mental and emotional health, from missing out on person-to-person interaction to what long-term stress …
Patricia Devine Honored
Patricia Devine is the 2014 recipient of the Thomas M. Ostrom Award from the Person Memory Interest Group. This award recognizes scholars whose career is marked by a record of significant and influential publications, as …
Patricia Devine wins grant to address teachers’ unconscious racial bias
According to test scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress shared in October 2019, Wisconsin has the national’s largest racial achievement gap among students. State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor responded to the results, calling …
Paula Niedenthal in OnWisconsin magazine: The Science behind a Smile
A stranger smiles at you on the street. If you were raised in the United States, you’ll probably assume this person is happy, friendly, or proud of their dental work. If you grew up in …
Paula Niedenthal on Wisconsin Public Radio
Wearing a smile on your face can be interpreted differently depending on where you live. Professor Paula Niedenthal visits The Larry Meiller Show to talk about the cultural and social functions of smiles. Listen here.
Perception study may explain promising depression therapy
Rather than constantly repainting a new canvas with a picture of the surrounding world each time it takes in information, the human brain appears to build a working model supported by predictions constantly checked and …