Blog Archives

Very simple ways to train working memory and attention

Very simple ways to train working memory and attention

We all have different ways of understanding and processing information and, beyond our intellectual capacity, people develop executive skills from childhood that allow us to adapt to the environment. These are the skills that come into play when we learn. In fact, learning styles and executive functions are intrinsically related, as both influence how people […] … learn more→

Is the American Dream achievable? These students are examining its promises and pitfalls

Is the American Dream achievable? These students are examining its promises and pitfalls

Title of course: “Economic Realities of the American Dream” What prompted the idea for the course? One of us – Steve Fazzari – was trained as an economist, and the other – Mark Rank – as a sociologist. We’ve shared scholarly interests over the years as colleagues at Washington University in St. Louis. But our teaching partnership really began […] … learn more→

How young people get information: on social media, although they have little confidence in it

How young people get information: on social media, although they have little confidence in it

In the context of competent digital citizenship, it is essential to understand how young people consume news and the degree of trust they place in sources in order to act critically and responsibly in the abundant flow of information on the networks. A recent study published in Media & Journalism , based on data from more than […] … learn more→

People who are good at reading have different brains

People who are good at reading have different brains

The number of people who read for fun appears to be steadily dropping. Fifty percent of UK adults say they don’t read regularly (up from 42% in 2015) and almost one in four young people aged 16-24 say they’ve never been readers, according to research by The Reading Agency. But what are the implications? Will people’s […] … learn more→

'Atomic habits': how building small habits can change our lives

‘Atomic habits’: how building small habits can change our lives

Could a cyclist’s seat pad determine his performance? Enough to win a Tour and exponentially improve his sporting results? The answer is yes, if this tiny change is combined with many others, such as redesigning the seats, applying alcohol to the wheels to increase their traction, using tights with electrical heating systems to maintain ideal […] … learn more→

Strength training: from what age?

Strength training: from what age?

Although body worship never goes out of fashion, the idealisation of one’s own image has become a global phenomenon in recent years, mainly due to the abuse of social networks such as Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. This obsession with aesthetics has been particularly deep-rooted among the so-called Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) and […] … learn more→

Rethinking screen time: A better understanding of what people do on their devices is key to digital well-being

Rethinking screen time: A better understanding of what people do on their devices is key to digital well-being

In an era where digital devices are everywhere, the term “screen time” has become a buzz phrase in discussions about technology’s impact on people’s lives. Parents are concerned about their children’s screen habits. But what if this entire approach to screen time is fundamentally flawed? While researchers have made advances in measuring screen use, a detailed […] … learn more→

Can you sleep your way to better decision making? Here’s what the science says

Can you sleep your way to better decision making? Here’s what the science says

The author John Steinbeck said: “It is a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it.” Many others have claimed they formulated breakthroughs and innovations in dreams. Recent studies on the science of sleep suggest these claims are supported by modern science. A 2024 study suggests […] … learn more→