University of Michigan Institute for Social Research

What do drinking habits mean for marital happiness? ISR's Kira Birditt explores that question in the latest episode of The Abstract. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/g24unKzY

HELP US PROTECT CRITICAL DATA! Government datasets are essential for research, policy, and public access to information—but recent policy shifts put key data sources at risk. ICPSR at ISR is committed to preserving, documenting, and sharing vital federal data through DataLumos, an open-access archive dedicated to protecting government datasets for future use. You can help ensure that critical data from agencies like the CDC and Department of Education remain accessible: Donate to support data preservation: https://lnkd.in/g5dfxMz4 Explore and contribute to DataLumos: https://myumi.ch/egrbW Volunteer your metadata expertise: icpsr-data-rescue@umich.edu Join us in protecting open data for the public good. #DataPreservation #OpenData #SocialScienceResearch #ICPSR #PublicPolicy

The Loneliness Paradox: Rethinking Solitude In our hyperconnected world, loneliness is often labeled a global epidemic with serious health implications. However, recent research from the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research, led by Ethan Kross and Micaela Rodriguez, suggests that the widespread negative portrayal of solitude in media and public health campaigns may actually heighten feelings of loneliness. Analyzing 144 news articles from major U.S. newspapers between 2020 and 2022, the study found that solitude is depicted negatively ten times more often than positively. This framing may influence public perceptions, leading individuals to view being alone as harmful, even when solitude can offer benefits like self-reflection and personal growth. Kross and Rodriguez emphasize the need for a more balanced discussion around solitude, recognizing that while social connections are vital, time alone can also be enriching. Read more: https://myumi.ch/qVbNx #SocialScienceResearch #Loneliness #Solitude #MentalHealth #UMichISR

Celebrating 50 Years of Monitoring the Future Research! For half a century, the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research has conducted the Monitoring the Future (MTF) study, examining the behaviors, attitudes, and values of American students. Since 1975, MTF has gathered data from over 1.7 million students, with longitudinal follow-ups on more than 120,000 participants, providing invaluable insights into substance use trends and societal shifts. Now spanning multiple generations, MTF remains a vital resource for understanding long-term behavioral trends. Its findings continue to shape public policy, health initiatives, and education by tracking how societal changes influence substance use and well-being over time. Read more: https://myumi.ch/M6Qd6 #MonitoringTheFuture #SocialScienceResearch #PublicHealth #UMichISR

Homeownership has traditionally been seen as a key path to financial security in the U.S., but today, rising home prices are making it harder for many to access that path. According to research by Joe LaBriola, the hot real estate market is a significant driver of rising racial wealth inequality. What can be done to address this disparity? LaBriola explores potential solutions to create a more equitable path to homeownership in The Conversation https://myumi.ch/Drdw7.

Help Protect At-Risk Data! Government data is a vital resource for research, policy, and public knowledge—but recent policy changes put key datasets at risk. ICPSR at ISR is working to preserve, document, and share critical federal data through DataLumos, an open-access archive dedicated to safeguarding government datasets for future use. Your support can help ensure that valuable data from agencies like the CDC and the Department of Education remains accessible. - Donate to support data preservation: https://lnkd.in/gEhh58Pm - Explore and contribute to DataLumos: https://myumi.ch/egrbW - Volunteer your metadata expertise: icpsr-data-rescue@umich.edu Join us in protecting open data for the public good. #DataPreservation #SocialScience #OpenData

How are shifting interest rates and Treasury markets shaping investment strategies? A recent New York Times article explores these trends, featuring insights from ISR researcher Joanne Hsu. Hsu, an expert on consumer sentiment and economic behavior, examines how Federal Reserve policies and market conditions are influencing investor decisions. As economic uncertainty persists, her research helps shed light on how individuals and institutions navigate these financial shifts. Read more: https://myumi.ch/9gwMV #EconomicResearch #Finance #ConsumerSentiment #InvestmentTrends

Join the Stone Center for Inequality Dynamics for the next CID Speaker Series featuring Janeria Easley, Assistant Professor of African American Studies at Emory University. Easley will present "Intergenerational Mobility: Racial Disparities in Mobility from a Holistic Perspective," exploring new methods for measuring mobility and the profound disparities between Black and White Americans. Tuesday, February 25 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ISR 2030 (CID) or via Zoom Learn more and RSVP: https://lnkd.in/g_QKTf5R #SocialScience #InequalityResearch #IntergenerationalMobility #CIDSpeakerSeries

In a recent Insights Speaker Series talk "It Doesn’t Add Up: Why Mathematical Skills Matter across Development," ISR’s Pamela Davis-Kean discussed the critical role of math skills in educational development. She highlighted how U.S. students continue to lag internationally, a gap worsened by pandemic-related learning loss, and emphasized the need for stronger early math interventions. Read more: https://myumi.ch/7Pz4y #EducationalDevelopment #MathematicsEducation #SocialScienceResearch

A recent study led by ISR researchers Brady West and Bill Axinn explores innovative, cost-effective methods for national demographic data collection. Their research demonstrates that web-based and mail survey approaches can effectively replicate the results of traditional, more expensive face-to-face interviews. This advancement offers promising avenues for conducting large-scale surveys with reduced costs while maintaining data quality. Read more: https://myumi.ch/N636z #socialscience #SurveyResearch