University at Buffalo Psychology Department

03/12/2021

Read to succeed ─ in math. Study shows how reading skill shapes more than just reading

“These findings floored me. They elevate the value and importance of literacy by showing how reading proficiency reaches across domains, guiding how we approach other tasks and solve other problems” - quote from UB assistant professor of psychology, Christopher McNorgan, PhD, on his recent research which demonstrates how the cooperative areas of the brain responsible for reading skill are also at work during apparently unrelated activities, such as multiplication.

UB psychologist identifies a connectivity fingerprint suggesting that the brain’s reading network is at work across cognitive domains. “Reading affects everything,” he says.

03/10/2021

Pandemic Lessons: Planning is near impossible. How do you stay calm about the future?

Recent UB Psychology alum, Thomas Saltsman, PhD, along with other mental health experts, dive into strategies for navigating stress during the pandemic in this article from The Buffalo News.

In this “Pandemic Lessons,” we dive into strategies from mental health experts for navigating the coming months.

02/16/2021

Study contradicts belief that whales learn songs from one another

"Our findings indicate that neither cultural transmission nor social learning contributes significantly to how humpback whales change their songs over time" - Eduardo Mercado, PhD, UB psychology professor on his recent study which analyzed songs from groups of humpbacks that were not in acoustic contact with each other yet still produced acoustically comparable songs. #UBuffalo #psychology

From ScienceDaily

A new study is directly contradicting the widely accepted cultural transmission hypothesis suggesting that whales learn their songs from other whales. 'Our findings indicate that neither cultural transmission nor social learning contributes significantly to how humpback whales change their songs ove...

02/15/2021

Abstract submissions are now open for UB's 2nd Annual Western New York Undergraduate Psychology Conference. See flyer below for more details.

02/11/2021

The science behind why you make so many snap decisions

“We might assume maximizers are having a negative experience in the moment, obsessing over the perfect choice. But it appears to be the satisficers – and that might be why they’re satisficing.” - UB psychology researcher, Thomas Saltsman, PhD, on his new study which provides insight into why maximizers and satisficers engage in such distinct decision making behaviors. #UBuffalo #psychology

A new study has collected tangible, physical evidence suggesting that when you are overwhelmed by tons of options, you will make a snap decision.

02/05/2021

Let’s talk about mental health - Excalibur

Alumni in the news: Jeffrey Wardell, PhD, UB Clinical Psychology graduate and current assistant professor at York University, is featured in a recent Excalibur article discussing current issues surrounding mental health.

We may be reducing the stigma of mental health disorders, but with the pandemic still raging, the issues are on the rise.

02/04/2021

UB psychologist receives major grant for pioneering study on school readiness

UB Psychology professor, Jamie Ostrov, PhD, has received $426,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to examine the factors associated with school readiness as children make the important move from pre-k to kindergarten. #UBuffalo

Three-year study will use advanced techniques to measure the nervous system and better understand the role of early family and peer adversity in the development of school readiness.

02/03/2021

Brain connectivity reveals ADHD in kids with 99% accuracy - Futurity

“It’s by far the highest accuracy rate I’ve seen reported anywhere—it is leagues beyond anything that has come before it..." - UB Psychology assistant professor Christopher McNorgan, PhD, on his new study which found that specific communication among different brain regions, known as brain connectivity, can serve as a biomarker for ADHD. From Futurity #UBuffalo #psychology

Researchers have found that specific communication between brain regions is an accurate way to see if a child has ADHD, which is usually tricky to diagnose.

01/19/2021

How the pandemic killed your motivation, and 6 simple ways to get it back, according to science

Having a difficult time finding motivation during the COVID-19 pandemic? In a recent article, CNBC quotes UB psychology associate professor and director of the Self and Motivation Lab, Lora Park, PhD, on several ways to set up your life and routine so that you feel more motivated about your goals. #UBuffalo #psychology #motivation

These science-backed strategies will give you a motivation boost no matter what your goals are.

01/14/2021

Amid COVID-19, politics and the US Capitol breach, how to cope with the stress of the news

From ABC News: UB Psychology associate professor, Mark Seery, PhD, is featured among several experts recommending steps that can help news consumers stay informed without feeling overwhelmed by major ongoing events in the news cycle.

#UBuffalo #psychology

Five ways to cope and practice self-care amid a stressful news cycle.

01/13/2021

Boosting student success in STEM-gateway courses

UB Psychology associate professor Lora Park, PhD, has received a grant from the National Science Foundation to develop and implement strategies to improve success for college students in STEM gateway courses, such as introductory calculus.

Findings from the project will provide insights into how feedback is currently given to students in STEM versus non-STEM courses, and will guide development of methods to improve students’ educational experiences in STEM courses.

#UBuffalo #psychology

An NSF grant to UB psychologist Lora Park will focus on feedback strategies that may improve students’ confidence in classes such as intro calculus.

12/24/2020

American Psychological Association

American Psychological Association

Although we may dream of having perfect holidays, it’s important to remember—especially in a year like 2020—that things don’t always go according to plan.

12/11/2020

Are you feeling stressed, anxious or depressed? UB's Psychological Services Center offers treatments and mental health services for these and other conditions, as well as assessments for ADHD, IQ, diagnoses and personality. See the flyer below for more information:

12/07/2020

PSI CHI Fall 2020 Induction Video

Congratulations to our newest undergraduate PSI Chi inductees! In lieu of our usual induction ceremony, this video has been created and posted to honor these students and acknowledge their excellent academic accomplishments.

11/18/2020

Why You Should Schedule Dedicated 'Me Time' If You Don't Get Enough Right Now

From The Hour Newsroom: 10 Benefits of 'Me Time' featuring research from UB Psychology's Julie Bowker, PhD.

#Ubuffalo #psychology

Humans are a social species. In fact, whether you have realized it or not, we need each other to survive. Because of this, it's no surprise that we really struggled during the Covid-19 pandemic . Instead of going into an office and socializing with your colleagues, you are at home working by yoursel...

11/16/2020

Be mindful: Study shows mindfulness might not work as you expect

"What’s surprising, and particularly striking about our results, is that mindfulness didn’t seem to affect whether people had a more positive stress response in the moment” - Thomas Saltsman, a researcher in UB's Psychology department and lead author on recently published article in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. #UBuffalo #psychology

When it comes to “not sweating the small stuff,” mindfulness has its limitations, say UB researchers.

10/02/2020

Three UB researchers receive National Science Foundation CAREER awards

Congratulations to UB Psychology Assistant Professor, Ann-Marie Torregrossa, Ph.D., on her National Science Foundation CAREER award!

From the science of taste to transistor technology to understanding plate tectonics and volcanoes, the funded projects will address issues of societal importance.

09/28/2020

UB Psychology

Calling ALL students majoring in psychology! Dr. Quinton will be hosting a presentation on Wednesday September 30th about the psychology honors program over zoom!

09/28/2020

The career-minded who prioritise wealth are more likely to be lonely

From Daily Mail: "When people base their self-worth on financial success, they experience feelings of pressure and a lack of autonomy," said paper author and psychologist Lora Park of the University of Buffalo. Dr. Park's research was co-authored with current UB doctoral student, Deborah Ward, and was published in the journal of Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.

Experts from the US explored why basing one's self-esteem around financial success - the so-called 'Financial Contingency of Self-Worth' - can have drawbacks.

09/24/2020

Vote!

Senior psychology major Charles Sanders chalks a reminder that early voting begins Oct. 24. Other chalk messages included information about shuttles available on election day, where and how to register to vote in person or by mail, as well as the deadline to register in New York.

Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki

Senior psychology major Charles Sanders chalks a reminder that early voting begins Oct. 24. Other chalk messages included information about shuttles available on election day, where and how to register to vote in person or by mail, as well as the deadline to register in New York. For more informatio...

09/21/2020

Sharp attention explains why the early bird gets the worm

Many of the characteristics related to auditory attention in birds match those of humans, according to a new study from University at Buffalo Psychology Professor, Micheal Dent, PhD, and recent UB alum, Huaizhen Cai. #UBuffalo #psychology

UB research suggests that birds can focus on sounds around them nearly as well as humans.

09/09/2020

Are you interested in making the most of your college experience here at UB? Excited by psychological research? Thinking about attending graduate school in psychology? Do you have (or by the end of your junior year will you have) a strong academic record?

If you answered yes to all of the above, then we would like to tell you about the Psychology Honors Program. Dr. Wendy Quinton, the Director of the Psy Honors Program, will be doing a short presentation and then will be having a question-and-answer forum about the program on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, at 4:30pm, on Zoom. See the flyer below for more details:

Calling ALL students majoring in psychology! Dr. Quinton will be hosting a presentation on Wednesday September 30th about the psychology honors program over zoom!

09/04/2020

Parents Most Likely to Turn to Booze During Pandemic: Study

More UB Psychology Alumni in the News, this time from VICE:

York University Psychology professors Jeffrey Wardell (UB Clinical Psychology Ph.D. alum) and Matthew Keough co-led the study, which found that parents with at least one child under the age of 18 were more likely to consume alcohol as a coping strategy for distress following the pandemic’s onset.

Parents with children still at home are dealing with numerous stressors during the coronavirus pandemic, the study said.

09/01/2020

New website lets you peer out of the windows of homes around the world: ‘It’s the beautiful everyday’

From Yahoo News: A new website called WindowSwap is quenching wanderlust during the coronavirus pandemic by providing free (virtual) trips to anywhere in the world.
UB Psychology alum, Elaine Paravati-Harrigan, Ph.D. weighs in on what some of us may gain from such virtual trips in a time when travel is restricted. #UBuffalo https://news.yahoo.com/new-website-lets-you-peek-through-strangers-windows-from-home-its-the-beautiful-everyday-170945438.html

The "WindowSwap" website lets you travel to Germany, Japan and Sweden without leaving home.

08/31/2020

Welcome to our incoming and returning Psychology students!

08/31/2020

How to Handle Separation Anxiety Meltdowns in Kids

UB Clinical Psychology alumni in the News:

From The New York Times - Finding opportunities for children to exercise their “brave muscles” and safely practice being away from their parents is especially tough in quarantine, said Paula Yanes-Lukin, Ph.D., director of psychology in the Children’s Day Unit at the Youth Treatment and Evaluation of Anxiety and Mood Program at Columbia University.

The pandemic has made some children even more worried about leaving the sides of parents and caregivers.

08/28/2020

Parents, family influence adolescent substance abuse

From UB Now: Young children with parents with alcohol problems, those whose parents experience marital aggression and those with fathers who were more aggravated with their children in early childhood were more likely to have substance abuse problems as adolescents, according to a study by researchers in the School of Nursing and the Department of Psychology. #Ubuffalo #psychology

The study found there was a higher proportion of children from alcoholic families that used substances as adolescents compared with those from non-alcoholic families.

08/27/2020

New type of taste cell discovered in mice

UB Psychology assistant professors, Ann-Marie Torregrossa, Ph.D., and Gregory Loney, Ph.D., are co-authors on a study published in the journal PLOS Genetics on a new type of taste cell discovered in mice.

In the past, it was thought that taste cells were highly selective, capable of discerning only one or two types of the five basic stimuli — only sweet, for instance, or only salty and sour. Though many cells are indeed specialists, the discovery of a subset of cells that can respond to up to four different tastes suggests that taste science is more complex than previously thought.

#UBuffalo

08/26/2020

21 faculty, staff receive SUNY Chancellor’s Awards

Congratulations to Wendy Quinton, Ph.D., clinical associate professor in Department of Psychology on her 2020 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching!

The awards provide system-wide recognition of consistently superior professional achievement.

08/21/2020

Study sheds new light on certainty of opinions

A series of new studies led by University at Buffalo associate professor of psychology, Kenneth DeMarree, Ph.D., suggest there may be a more general disposition at work that predicts the certainty of newly formed evaluations, just as they do for pre-existing opinions.
#UBuffalo #psychology

UB research suggests how attitude certainty might predict behavior on matters other than preexisting options.

08/21/2020

From University at Buffalo Study Abroad Programs and Psychology major, Nikola Vehabovic, who participated in the Winter 2019 – UB Classics in the Mediterranean program

As we are all encouraged to stay at home during these uncertain times, we’d like to provide a #virtualescape to remind you that the world is a beautiful place…let us introduce Nikola Vehabovic, a Psychology major who participated in the Winter 2019 – UB Classics in the Mediterranean program:
▫️
“When I studied abroad in Italy, I was completely blown away at how all of these natural and man-made wonders stood the test of time. Remaining resilient through countless battles, wars, and natural disasters, these locations still live to tell the tales of people who lived thousands of years ago. The meaning I took away from my study abroad trip is that humans are powerful enough to leave a mark on the future no matter what atrocities might occur. Every single one of our ideas and actions can and do make a lasting impact on the world around us. What are you waiting for? Chase your dreams and make them a reality.”
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Visit our website to learn more about this program: https://tinyurl.com/yyrwjcwl! 💙 🇮🇹 #UBabroad #UBuffalo

08/17/2020

UB Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention

UB Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention

“By associating these behaviors with a sense of unity, we’re asking everyone to share responsibility for keeping our campus community safe.” John DellaContrada, vice president University Communications

http://www.buffalo.edu/ubnow/stories/2020/08/behavioral-expectations.html.html

07/08/2020

UB International Student Services is aware of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) guidelines released on July 6 and are working on outreach to students regarding expectations for the fall 2020 semester. If you are an international student, please make sure to add [email protected] to your email contacts and monitor your inbox for a message.

ISS is aware of the SEVP guidelines released on 7/6/2020 and are working with UB leadership. We are working on outreach to students regarding expectations for the fall 2020 semester, please add [email protected] to your contacts so that you can avoid our email going to your spam box.

06/29/2020

Does Wanting More Money vs. More Love Affect Mental Health?

Although people may think that money improves one’s relationships, research suggests otherwise. Focusing on money is associated with spending less time maintaining relationships and less desire to rely on others for help. But why does focusing on money relate to worse social outcomes? Psychology Today discusses research conducted by a team from the University at Buffalo, led by UB Social-Personality Psychology Ph.D. student Deborah Ward, and the Harvard Business School on the subject.

New research shows the impact of your priorities upon your whole life.