Psychology

Psychology Professor Richard Robins was quoted by Newsweek in an article discussing the validity of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality assessment tool. Although widely used in corporate settings, the MBTI has "fundamental problems", Professor Robins stated. Among them, the MBTI's focus on categorical profiles is "analogous to measuring people's height and then classifying them as either tall or short and ignoring more precise differences in height."

New research from the California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC) at the University of California, Davis reveals that infant monkeys conceived while their mothers were naturally exposed to wildfire smoke show behavioral changes compared to animals conceived days later. John Capitanio, professor of Psychology at UC Davis and a core scientist at the CNPRC, has been conducting standardized assessments on animals born at the center for two decades. This allowed a comparison of animals born during the recent Camp Fire to historical data from animals unaffected by wildfires.

Psychology Professor Fernanda Ferreira was elected as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This honor is awarded to "members whose efforts on behalf of the advancement of science or its applications in service to society have distinguished them among their peers and colleagues" (AAAS).

Associate Professor of Psychology Mijke Rhemtulla was selected to be a 2021-2022 Chancellor’s Fellow, and will receive an award of $25,000 to be used in support of her research, teaching, and service activities. The Chancellor’s Fellows Program was established in 2000 to honor the achievements of outstanding faculty members early in their careers. Dr. Rhemtulla received this award in recognition of the outstanding quality and significance of her research and teaching.

Professor Tamara Swaab received the honor of being named a Fellow of APS (Association for Psychological Science). The honor is conferred to scientists "who have made sustained outstanding contributions to the science of psychology in the areas of research, teaching, service, and/or application." Dr. Swaab is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and a core faculty member in the UC Davis Center for Mind and Brain.