This social science project identified what stops people from voluntarily signing up to free rehabilitation programs. These results may help other community programs to improve their services.
Continue reading “Redesigning Programs”
Behavioural science can help to address emergency decision-making and reduce fatalities in the community. We conducted a masterclass with the New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) to look at the issue of driving through floodwater.*
Continue reading “Emergency Decision-Making”
Our team ran a randomised control trial to increase the number of classes that apprentices and trainees (‘learners’) attend. We significantly increased course attendance by sending employers a text message detailing what their learners are studying at their vocational training organisation (TAFE).
Continue reading “Strengthening Education and Training”
In a previous post, I explained how social science helps local governments implement public health planning and programs. This time, I’ll provide some specific examples about how social science addresses issues of social inclusion for vulnerable and marginalised community groups.
Continue reading “Health and Social Inclusion”
Health and wellbeing development trends go beyond individual factors, by connecting community trends to broader Australian and international social issues. This includes the services and facilities that people have access to, their experiences of social connectedness (which can impact knowledge and access to local services) and broader socio-economic patterns.
Continue reading “From Local to Global Health Connections”
Community learning addresses the socio-economic outcomes of community members through a long-term, life-long education program. This includes strengthening skills and knowledge of community members, by addressing shifting employment needs as the economy changes; strengthening social cohesion; and improving quality of life and general fulfilment of individuals, families and local groups.
Continue reading “Community Learning”
The Vice Chancellor of Cambridge University says the social sciences have an important role to play in society, especially through multidisciplinary research.
Continue reading “Social Science in Multidisciplinary Research”
Your social science snack for this month is on the benefits of volunteering! A study published in the journal Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly finds that strong social networks encourage donations and volunteering for secular causes as well as religious charities.
Continue reading “Volunteering and Social Capital”
Common law does not require people are given access to an interpreter but legal cases show that use of interpreters does not always lead to an accurate and fair presentation of evidence in court. This is especially problematic for Indigenous Australians who speak diverse languages that don’t necessarily translate well through the mouths of a poorly trained interpreter.
Continue reading “Indigenous Australians, Justice & Language Translation”
Social Marketing is the application of commercial strategies and social science to target complex social problems, and influence behaviours, for the greater social good. It is particularly used for public information campaigns. The aim is to understand social issues and affect positive change. This is done through targeted research on a particular community in partnership with stakeholders.
Continue reading “What is Social Marketing?”