Department of Psychology

UW researchers at the Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences and in the Allen School are exploring the potential for training AI to value altruism.

When State Superintendent Chris Reykdal urged Washington school districts to crack down on in-class cell phone use last year, he was echoing a national outcry from educators struggling to keep students focused. This fall, most districts are rolling out new policies aimed at curbing smart device distractions during school hours. Luca Magis-Weinberg, assistant professor of psychology at the UW, is quoted.

Heading back to school Wednesday, students in the Northshore School District will pack their books, pens, and paper, but not their cell phones.Its just one of many Washington state school districts that now have a district-wide policy for mobile devices.Luca Magis-Weinberg, assistant professor of psychology at the UW, is quoted.

A growing number of school districts are implementing new cell phone bans in the classroom, and a University of Washington study found that while teachers generally support the policies, students are less positive, though some concede the policies improve concentration. Luca Magis-Weinberg, assistant professor of psychology at the UW, is interviewed.

The erotic lives of senior citizens are typically made invisible by our culture, which can lead to confusion and misinformation. Dr. Pepper Schwartz, the love and relationships columnist for AARP, joins the Dear Sugars podcast to dispel certain myths about sex and aging. Pepper Schwartz, professor of sociology at the UW, is interviewed.

Couples are using (and loving) AI-powered apps for everything from conversation starters to sex tips. Therapists are less convinced they can replace the human touch. The UW's Nicholas Velotta, doctoral student of sociology, and Pepper Schwartz, professor of sociology at the UW, are mentioned.

When the Peninsula School District implemented one of Washington's first bans on cell phones in the classroom two years ago, Keyna Houston said it could not have come soon enough. Unsurprisingly, teachers have had by far the most positive reaction to these policies, reporting less stress, better ability to manage their classrooms and perceived social benefits for their students, according to new research out of the UW. Luca Magis-Weinberg, assistant professor of psychology at the UW, is quoted.

Meet the four new graduates honored as College of Arts & Sciences Dean's Medalists for 2025. 

The College of Arts & Sciences celebrates undergraduate and graduate students from across all four divisions, who are recognized for making the most of their time at the UW. 

Nine months ago, the Seattle school implemented one of the strictest phone bans in the citys public school district, requiring its 755 students to lock up their devices in pouches for the school day. Luca Magis-Weinberg, assistant professor of psychology at the UW, is quoted.

"President Donald Trump and members of his administration have long used allegations of anti-Christian discrimination as a rallying cry for supporters, arguing that policies and laws on issues like school prayer and LGBTQ+ rights threaten Christians right to express their beliefs," co-write the UW's Clara Wilkins, associate professor of psychology, and Rosemary (Marah) Al-Kire, a postdoctoral researcher of psychology.

Salma Rashwan, ’26, is majoring in psychology and education. Through the Community Engagement and Leadership Education (CELE) Center's work in tribal and rural partnerships, she’s combining her academic work with her commitment to communities and kids and is a student leader in the Alternative Spring Break program.

Tony Greenwald, professor emeritus of psychology, is among those honored with a Frontiers of Knowledge Award for developing the Implicit Association Test, an online test that explores our implicit biases.

It was the little pill that could a medical breakthrough that changed the way Americans thought and talked about sex and aging. Thursday marks 27 years since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the sale of Viagra, the nations first oral medication for whats now commonly known as erectile dysfunction. Pepper Schwartz, professor of sociology at the UW, is quoted.

Musk, Bezos, and Zuck are going full alpha male. Women are fed up. Sapna Cheryan, professor of psychology at the UW, is quoted.