Matthew A Diemer , Michael B Frisby , Kelly M House
{"title":"Looking backward to look forward: Tracing critical quantitative perspectives in critical consciousness research","authors":"Matthew A Diemer , Michael B Frisby , Kelly M House","doi":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101536","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101536","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper examines the evolution of quantitative approaches in critical consciousness (CC) research through a critical quantitative (CritQuant) perspective. Historically, CC scholarship relied on qualitative methods due to concerns about the restrictive assumptions and historical biases of quantitative methodologies. However, since 2005, quantitative methods have become common in CC research. We reflect on five principles of CritQuant — foundation, goals, parity, subjectivity, and self-reflexivity — to demonstrate how they align with past and present CC research. Our hope is that CritQuant, QuantCrit, and allied methodologies will continue to inform and be informed by CC and related research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56191,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101536"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143935374","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evolution of neural mechanisms underlying the behavioral diversification of weakly electric fishes","authors":"Bruce A Carlson","doi":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101538","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101538","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding neural mechanisms underlying behavioral diversity is a fundamental challenge in neuroscience and evolutionary biology. Weakly electric fish provide an excellent system for studying this, as they exhibit convergent evolution between distantly related clades and fine-scale neural adaptations linked to behavioral divergence within clades. These fish actively generate electric fields to communicate and sense their environment. Electric organs that generate these fields and electroreceptors that detect them have evolved multiple times independently. Despite their independent origins, these clades share numerous similarities in their electrosensory and electromotor systems across several levels of biological organization. On the other hand, studies in one particular clade have related evolutionary divergence in sensory perception and behavior to changes in electroreceptor physiology and central processing in sensory and sensorimotor pathways. Together, these findings reveal both predictability in the evolution of neural mechanisms for behavior and ways in which neural adaptations can drive behavioral diversification.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56191,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101538"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143922220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Data Chronicles: how teacher metrics shape urban realities","authors":"Elizabeth I Rivera","doi":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101531","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101531","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper critiques the reliance on teacher value-added metrics in educational policy, examining their impact on urban housing markets and demographic shifts. Drawing from the 2012 release of such data in New York City, the study reveals how these metrics perpetuate socioeconomic and racial inequities by relying on standardized test scores that embed systemic biases. Employing a QuantCrit framework, the analysis highlights missed opportunities to integrate racial equity perspectives and proposes a paradigm shift toward justice-oriented quantitative inquiry. Recommendations include adopting culturally responsive measures, enhancing community participation, and reimagining definitions of school quality to foster inclusivity. The paper also explores the broader implications of these metrics, such as their role in exacerbating gentrification and displacing marginalized populations. By integrating interdisciplinary methods and emphasizing equity, this work aims to reshape educational metrics and policies to dismantle systemic barriers and promote equitable outcomes for all students.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56191,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101531"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143929165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matthew J Hornsey , Jarren L Nylund , Michael Thai
{"title":"Morality, justice, and collective climate action","authors":"Matthew J Hornsey , Jarren L Nylund , Michael Thai","doi":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101541","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101541","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This review synthesizes literature on the moral arguments of those who engage in collective action to promote climate reform, as well as the moral arguments of those who engage in collective action to oppose mitigation efforts. Although these groups have competing goals, we make the case that their moral arguments cluster around similar themes: the need to avoid harm, the need to preserve fairness, and the need to maintain environmental purity. We describe reasons why expressing moral arguments can amplify and polarize intergroup contests between supporters and opponents of climate action. We finish by making recommendations for how moralized polarization around climate change can be managed in a way that reduces gridlock and facilitates constructive dialogue.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56191,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101541"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143929167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Reflections on studying school segregation in Europe through community engagement and its connections with QuantCrit","authors":"Òscar Prieto-Flores , Carles Serra, Mostafa Shaimi, Eila Prats-Brugat","doi":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101529","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101529","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The article addresses the challenges and opportunities of implementing the QuantCrit perspective in European contexts where ethnic and racial data are not collected. It highlights how knowledge production in Europe tends to ignore racism when analyzing school segregation, using nationality as an indicator, which masks institutional racism. Community-engaged research and the QuantCrit approach help to reveal inequalities produced by racism. The case study of Salt demonstrates how anti-segregation policies fail to consider ethnoracial origins, thus perpetuating segregation. The article concludes that it is essential to generate and use data that reflect discrimination and segregation dynamics in the educational system. The QuantCrit perspective is crucial for overcoming color blindness and creating strategies that highlight racial discrimination and privileges. By engaging with communities affected by racism, researchers can challenge the dominant analysis and contribute to a more equitable understanding of school segregation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56191,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101529"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143912832","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Embedding historical and contextual sensitivity in QuantCrit approaches to STEM identity research: implications for data collection and analysis techniques","authors":"Heidi Cian , Remy Dou , Chris Irwin","doi":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101530","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101530","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this review, we build on accelerating interest in measuring and supporting ‘STEM identity’ in research, policy, and practice to consider how approaches to measurement and analysis could disrupt or perpetuate established marginalizing expectations of identifying as a STEM person. We discuss how guidance such as QuantCrit can inform conscious deviations from well-worn methodological paths. We contrast this approach with traditional outcome comparisons between those subjected to racist, sexist, classist, nativist, and ableist marginalization and those supported by the same structures. By situating this discussion in STEM identity, we explore what it means to critically measure and model a construct that ostensibly can broaden participation in STEM but which also offers a theoretical explanation for why marginalization persists. We offer recommendations, particularly encouraging STEM identity researchers such as ourselves to reconsider approaches to survey design.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56191,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101530"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143912834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Act natural: a review of new methods for assessing dopamine’s role in natural behavior","authors":"Jeffrey E. Markowitz","doi":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101532","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101532","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), loss of the key neurochemical dopamine (DA) in the basal ganglia leads to movements that are both more difficult to initiate and, once initiated, less vigorous. Yet, despite the robust link between basal ganglia DA loss and movement-related symptoms in PD, a mechanistic picture relating movement patterns with DA release has yet to emerge. We contend that one key hurdle in understanding this relationship is technical. Historically, the field has lacked the tools to easily resolve moment-to-moment changes in DA concentration across key brain structures while also capturing and quantifying fluid, naturalistic movements in freely behaving animals. In this review, we focus on recent technical advances that have fueled this type of experiment and how they have informed our understanding of DA’s role in natural behavior.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56191,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101532"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143912833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Positivity and collective climate action","authors":"Claudia R Schneider","doi":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101527","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101527","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change and environmental degradation are amongst the most pressing issues facing humankind of our time. Concerted collective action is needed to tackle them. This includes a range of domains and behaviours from the support of pro-environmental policies to climate activism. Much research has highlighted the important role that a positive approach to climate messaging and communication can have on individual behaviour. Taking this promising line of research forward, this review examines the role of positivity in collective climate action. I first delineate the terms collective action and positivity as used in this review. I then summarise recent empirical findings at the intersection of positivity and collective climate action, organised by the type of positivity-related concept investigated. These are, in particular, hope, efficacy, and positive future visions. Finally, I offer suggestions for future research to stimulate further investigation into the promising role of positivity for collective climate action in the years ahead.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56191,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101527"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143898380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yoon Ah Shin , Sara M. Constantino , Brian Beckage , Katherine Lacasse
{"title":"Climate change and opinion dynamics models: Linking individual, social, and institutional level changes","authors":"Yoon Ah Shin , Sara M. Constantino , Brian Beckage , Katherine Lacasse","doi":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101528","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cobeha.2025.101528","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Opinion dynamics models are increasingly used to understand changes in opinions, behaviors, and policy in the context of climate change. We review recent research that demonstrates how these models enable the linkages between individual, social, institutional, and biophysical factors to explain when and how social change emerges over time and what its impact might be on emissions and the climate system. We focus on applications of opinion dynamics models to climate change and describe how factors interact in those models to create feedback loops that reinforce or dampen change. We demonstrate how these models reveal the dynamics of consensus or polarization in climate opinions, the evolution of sustainability technologies and policies, and when and how interventions or negotiations related to climate change are likely to succeed or fail.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56191,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences","volume":"64 ","pages":"Article 101528"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143874459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}