A recent study by researchers from the College, Warwick Business School and University College London showed that people rely on others' appearances more than any other information when determining whom to trust with money, according to PsychCentral. The findings showed that people are more likely to invest money with those who are perceived as trustworthy, even when presented with information that indicates otherwise. Researchers used a computer algorithm that set up 20 pairs of faces at opposite ends of a trustworthiness spectrum, and volunteers were asked how much they wished to invest with the people in the pictures, PsychCentral reported. Chris Olivola, a post-doctorate researcher at Warwick Business School, said it is tempting to judge strangers by their faces because people are willing to trust their instincts about who looks trustworthy.
The government of Quebec announced on Wednesday that it would propose legislation to suspend the academic year at several universities to end student strikes over planned increases in tuition, The New York Times reported. Quebec Premier Jean Charest said that the term would resume in August and follow a modified schedule to ensure that students would be able to complete the entire school year, according to The Times. The strikes have led to violence in the streets of Montreal, and at least four government offices have been targeted in unsuccessful firebombing attempts, The Times reported. Provincial and city police have been criticized for seriously injuring protestors using rubber bullets and tear gas. La Classe, the most prominent student group, is advocating for the abolition of tuition, according to The Times.
David Coleman, the lead writer of educational curriculum standards used by most states, was appointed on Wednesday as the next president and CEO of the College Board, which administers the SAT and other tests, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education. Many find the College Board's selection of Coleman appropriate because the organization has recently been expanding its influence in kindergarten through 12th grade, where Coleman is most involved. Coleman said he hopes to make the SAT more in tune with the Common Core State Standards, which would make each student's educational life "richer" and "more rigorous" each year, eliminating some students' difficulty in performing well on standardized tests, The Chronicle reported. Coleman is also pushing for the organization's member colleges to re-examine aspects of the admissions process, such as admissions essays, according to The Chronicle. Many believe that hiring Coleman signals the College Board's commitment to curriculum reform, which aims to help bridge the gulf between elementary, secondary and higher education, The Chronicle reported.
