humanities and social sciences

Apr 12, 2016

Colloquium Highlights Secrecy, Intelligence

Researchers who study intelligence often face methodological and conceptual challenges associated with the secret nature of the field. And next week, members of the academic and intelligence communities will come together at NC State to discuss how to overcome those barriers. 

Apr 4, 2016

How Forecasting Water Reclamation Use Can Save Money, Water Resources

A changing climate and recent droughts in the South and West highlight the need to make the most of our limited water resources. One of the tools that can help the U.S. make efficient use of its water supplies is water reclamation – but utilities and water managers have sometimes struggled to deal with public perceptions of reclaimed water. 

Mar 28, 2016

Study Highlights Importance of Multimodal Communication in Higher Ed

Research from NC State finds that “multimodal” communication – using a mix of words, images and other resources – is important for students and faculty in higher education, a finding that argues for increased instruction in multimodal communication for undergraduates. 

Mar 23, 2016

Name That Tune: Faculty Inspire Computer Music

Two NC State professors are celebrated in musical portraits created by pioneering computer music composer Rodney Waschka. Who needs a C.V. when you have your own song? 

Mar 23, 2016

Study Highlights Link Between Social Media Use and Underage Drinking

A recent study finds that the savvier young people are about using social media, the less likely they are to report having alcohol-related problems. 

Mar 22, 2016

Forensic Researchers Set Standards for X-Ray Identification of Bodies

Forensic researchers have for the first time established science-based standards for identifying human remains based on X-rays of an individual’s spine, upper leg or the side of the skull. 

Mar 15, 2016

When You Claim Social Security Influences Whether Your Spouse Enters Poverty in Widowhood

A recent study finds that when the primary wage earner in a marriage claims Social Security can significantly affect whether that person’s spouse becomes impoverished in later life. 

Mar 1, 2016

Researchers ID Risk Factors That Predict Violence in Adults With Mental Illness

Researchers have identified three risk factors that make adults with mental illness more likely to engage in violent behavior. The findings give mental health professionals and others working with adults with mental illness a suite of characteristics they can use as potential warning signs, allowing them to intervene and hopefully prevent violent behavior. 

Feb 18, 2016

Study: Sanctions Boost Foreign Military More Than They Hurt Economy

The available evidence indicates that economic sanctions are not effective tools for achieving specific policy goals in foreign nations. New research from North Carolina State University argues that increased military spending caused by economic sanctions counterbalances the adverse impact of the sanctions – and points to Iran as a case study in how this can happen. 

Feb 17, 2016

Study Finds Stigma Regarding Weight Loss May Be Overblown

A qualitative study from North Carolina State University finds that most people who have lost a lot of weight don’t perceive themselves as being “judged” because they used to be overweight or obese – which contradicts earlier research that people were still stigmatized even after reaching a healthy weight. 

Feb 15, 2016

Sci and Spy: Studying Collaboration Between the Research and Intelligence Communities

When NC State and the NSA created the joint Laboratory for Analytical Sciences, they soon discovered that a funny thing happens when academic researchers collaborate with the intelligence community: they feel like they’re being spied on. 

Feb 10, 2016

NC State Backs Effort to Advance Equity in Research

NC State is part of a growing national initiative committed to advancing research on women and girls of color. 

Feb 2, 2016

The Archaeology of Prehistoric Climate Change

NC State archaeology researchers are helping us understand how climate change affected prehistoric societies. 

Jan 14, 2016

Forensic Research on Modern Child Abuse Can Shed Light on Past Cultures

NC State forensic experts have published guidance on how research into modern-day forensic analysis of child-abuse victims can be used to shed light on how children of earlier cultures were treated. 

Jan 13, 2016

Racial Makeup of Labor Markets Affects Who Gets Job Leads

Research from North Carolina State University and Rice University finds that the racial composition of a labor market plays a significant role in whether workers find out about job leads – regardless of the race of the worker.