psychology Archives

AppWizard

February 16, 2025

Spanish-language Android app created to help Hispanic smokers quit

Researchers at the University of Houston have launched Impacto, a Spanish-language Android app aimed at helping Hispanic smokers quit. The app addresses unique challenges faced by this community and has shown promising results in a pilot test, published in the Journal of Substance Abuse & Addiction Treatment, including reduced daily smoking rates and improved cessation outcomes. The pilot study involved 30 Hispanic smokers, averaging 31 years of age with over 15 years of smoking history, who consumed approximately 15 cigarettes daily. The app guides users through four lessons each week for eight weeks, incorporating interoceptive exercises to manage anxiety. Results indicated that 65.4% of participants reported smoking abstinence four weeks after their quit date, alongside decreased cigarette consumption and anxiety sensitivity. High feasibility, acceptability, and engagement were noted among users. A randomized control clinical trial is planned to further evaluate the app's effectiveness.

AppWizard

October 12, 2024

Disco Elysium ‘spiritual successor’ in development at new video game studio

Longdue is a new game developer creating a "spiritual successor" to the 2019 title Disco Elysium, with a team of 12 that includes former contributors to the original game and talent from Bungie and Rockstar. Their first project is a "psychogeographic RPG" focusing on the dynamics between the conscious and subconscious. Disco Elysium, the predecessor, is a BAFTA-winning RPG known for its narrative and themes, but its future became uncertain after disputes at developer ZA/UM, leading to legal battles and the scrapping of sequel plans. Longdue has confirmed that key figures from Disco Elysium, including lead designer Robert Kurvitz and lead artist Aleksander Rostov, are not part of the new project, which is being led by Grant Roberts from Bungie and Rocksteady.

AppWizard

August 23, 2024

Peter Molyneux says he’s ‘coming home’ to PC, but should we welcome him back after everything that’s happened?

Peter Molyneux is known for his influential role in game design, particularly for creating the "god game" genre with Populous and leading the Fable series. His latest project, Masters of Albion, was revealed at Gamescom amid skepticism regarding its quality. Molyneux's previous game, Godus, which was crowdfunded, has since been removed from PC storefronts, raising doubts about his ability to fulfill promises. One of his earlier projects, Curiosity, involved a mobile app where players tapped a large cube for a chance to win a significant prize, which ultimately turned out to be a role in Godus. The multiplayer features of Godus were never completed, leading to disappointment among backers. Molyneux also attempted to enter the blockchain space with Legacy, a Web3 game that sold "land NFTs," but he later admitted to difficulties with its economic model. As he prepares for the launch of Masters of Albion, Molyneux acknowledges the need for the game to be exceptional, given the high expectations and past failures.

AppWizard

August 20, 2024

University claims it’s the first to open a ‘Minecraft psychology lab’

The University of Essex has established the world's first 'Minecraft psychology lab' for students to engage in learning and research within the Minecraft platform. The lab features six dedicated booths and aims to study various aspects of psychology, such as social behavior and creativity, in a malleable virtual environment. It also supports neurodivergent students and provides opportunities for postgraduate research on complex topics like aggression and violence. The initiative reflects the university's commitment to innovative education and research in psychology.

AppWizard

August 14, 2024

University of Essex students to study Minecraft in new lab

The University of Essex has established what it claims to be the world's first "Minecraft psychology lab," allowing students to engage in learning, research, and experimentation within the game. The lab is designed to study social behavior, problem-solving, and creativity, and is particularly beneficial for neurodivergent students. It features six dedicated booths for integrating Minecraft into coursework. The university aims to facilitate groundbreaking research, including the study of aggression and violence in a controlled environment.

AppWizard

August 14, 2024

University says it is first to open ‘Minecraft psychology lab’

The University of Essex has launched the world's first "Minecraft psychology lab," allowing students to learn and conduct research within the game Minecraft. The lab features six booths for psychology students to explore psychological concepts in a malleable environment. It aims to accommodate neurodivergent students and enhance understanding of online interactions. The initiative is expected to open new research avenues for postgraduate students, particularly in studying complex topics like aggression and violence. The lab reflects the university's commitment to innovative psychology education and research.