Social Sciences
Stanford scholars examine big money's influence on elections
Scholars and Washington insiders gathered at a SIEPR conference to tackle questions about whether money is corrupting politics and whether the economy can predict who will be president.
Tony Blair urges Stanford students to help out in Africa
The former prime minister of Great Britain said that much-needed economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa cannot go forward without improvements in governance.
Hold the military accountable, ex-ambassador to Afghanistan tells a Stanford audience
At Stanford, former Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry also cited the economy as the No. 1 threat to U.S. security.
Stanford psychologist: Achievement goals can be shaped by environment
A new study by Stanford psychologist Paul O'Keefe suggests that the culture of our learning and working environments can have long-term effects on our goals and motivation.
Stanford study shows no evidence that international health aid is wasted
The study findings, published in PLoS Medicine, are poised to influence a debate among policymakers and donors over whether international assistance is wasted and displaced by governments that receive the money.
5.3.12
Six Stanford faculty elected to National Academy of Sciences
Six Stanford faculty members have been elected to receive one of the highest honors for an American scientist in recognition of their achievements in original research.
Despite questions over U.S.-Afghan pact, Stanford professor remains optimistic
Erik Jensen, who just returned from Afghanistan, argues that staying the course will have positive outcomes for generations of Afghans to come.
Stanford students share the entrepreneurial spirit with women just out of prison
Law and business school students in a new pro bono program teach formerly incarcerated women the basics of starting and operating a successful business.
Where does that creative spark come from? Stanford's Tina Seelig has some ideas
The d.school's Tina Seelig explains how to get your creative juices flowing – at work, at home and in your community.
4.26.12
Affirmative action is needed to get the best candidates, Stanford psychologist says
In hiring and admissions decisions, some say diversity is purchased at the price of merit. Not so, says Stanford psychologist Greg Walton. He's submitting his findings to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Stanford hosts election-year debate pitting Rove and Gibbs
The student-sponsored debate between GOP strategist Karl Rove and Democratic adviser Robert Gibbs transported the audience inside the Beltway for a tête-à-tête over immigration, jobs and political parties.
Stanford professor asks, how does God become real to people?
Anthropologist Tanya Luhrmann immerses herself in evangelical Christianity to find out how God becomes real to people. Through her research, she seeks to narrow the gap between believers and nonbelievers.
4.10.12
Researchers call for policy, aid and innovation to help world’s poorest
Following on last week's talk by software giant and philanthropist Bill Gates, fellows at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies offered their perspectives on ways to advance and secure the world's most fragile nations.
Stanford grad student sees firsthand illegal gold mines in Peru and their threat to the rain forest
Illegal gold mining in the rain forests of Peru has devastated the environment and the health of the people there. Graduate student Katy Ashe is researching the devastation.
Stanford economist narrows China's education gap with research, technology and policy
Stanford economist Scott Rozelle says 80 percent of urban Chinese students have Internet access, compared with 2 percent of their rural peers, a gap that jeopardizes China's economic future.
