Social Sciences

UCI researchers apply scientific method to study of how we receive affectionate messages

Former U.S. Rep. John B.T. Campbell III has been appointed the 2015-16 Dean’s Visiting Professor in the School of Social Sciences at the University of California, Irvine. Previously held by former California Assemblyman Jose Solorio, the position involves teaching two undergraduate courses: The U.S. Congress and The American Legislator, the latter of which is a new class Campbell is developing for the spring quarter.

Of the dozens of college surveys that rank thousands of universities across the nation, Money magazine’s recent poll has come the closest to cracking the code that answers the question: Which institutions of higher learning provide the best return on investment. And UCI scores well. It ranked third among public universities, fourth in the “value-added” […]

Book co-authored by UCI sociologist debunks idea that Asian American academic achievement is due to unique cultural traits or values

Being seen by others as black – regardless of whether or not one personally identifies as such – increases the likelihood of arrest, according to a new study from UC Irvine and Stanford University. The findings come as troubling reports of racial bias and discrimination in policing punctuate the evening news, noted Andrew Penner, UCI sociologist and study co-author.

UCI visiting professor Mohammed Wattad received the Young Scholars Award on Tuesday, June 2, at the annual meeting of the Israel Studies Association in Montreal.

This year’s commencement for UCI’s 50th graduating class will stretch over four days in the Bren Events Center, and 7,057 Anteaters will participate. Ten school-based events will be held, featuring addresses by renowned leaders in business, technology, athletics and law.

Does putting same-sex marriage in the public spotlight impede future policy gains for gay and lesbian couples? A new study says no, contrary to previous research on the topic. The findings, which appear in the American Journal of Political Science, should bring hope to marginalized groups that may otherwise be dissuaded from pursuing public change, said Charles Anthony Smith, UCI associate professor of political science and study co-author.

Inducing a sense of awe in people can promote altruistic, helpful and positive social behavior, according to new research led by UC Irvine psychologist Paul Piff.

Brain handles day- and nighttime optical signals the same, reacts quickly to loss of input