Tips from the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
A new study by motor control and psychology researchers at Indiana University suggests that postural control problems may be a core feature of bipolar disorder, not just a random symptom, and can provide insights both into areas of the brain affected by the psychiatric disorder and new potential targets for treatment.
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Can't help molding some snow into a ball and hurling it, or tossing a stone as far into a lake as you can? New research from Indiana University and the University of Wyoming shows how humans, unlike any other species on Earth, readily learn to throw long distances. This research also suggests that this unique evolutionary trait is entangled with language development in a way critical to our very existence.
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Cell phones, the Internet and texting have become ubiquitous in American culture -- and nowhere more so than on the college campus. Experts from IU's Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and the Student Academic Center talk about how students sabotage their learning and studying when they simultaneously text, visit social networks or otherwise multitask. "Memory and attention are limited," says Chancellor's Professor David Pisoni. "Students don't realize that when they study and engage in other activities, that multitasking comes at a price."
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Negative stereotypes not only jeopardize how members of stigmatized groups might perform on tests and in other skill-based acts, such as driving and golf putting, but they also can inhibit actual learning, according to a new study by researchers in Indiana University's Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences.
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Many people like to think they have discriminating tastes when it comes to romantic interests. An Indiana University study, however, found that men and women are greatly influenced not only by what their friends think of their potential fling or relationship partner, but also by the opinions of complete strangers. "If you walk into a party and don't know anyone, you might think, 'Why do I care what anyone here thinks?' said Skyler Place, researcher in IU's Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. "In reality, we're paying close attention to what others in our social environment are thinking and doing."
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Parents' implicit or unconscious attitudes about smoking are passed along to their children, say researchers at Indiana University and Arizona State University, and when these unconscious attitudes are more favorable about smoking, the children are more likely to begin smoking 18 months later.
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