Sunday Reads...

An irregular round-up of interesting reads.  Most of these made me go "hmmmmm," none of them imply concurrence:
 
 Quote of the day:
"In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted.​" - Bertrand Russell

• Another study demonstrates that pay-for-performance attracts higher-quality government schoolteachers.
• Facts about the US housing market.
• Government COVID-19 school closures contributed to students’ lack of civility and a regression of pro-social skills notes research.
• More evidence that medical CON laws contribute barriers to better community care.
• SEL is a big investment in schools today.  Lots of time and energy are poured into these programs.  Evidence suggests its benefits are negligible.
• According to this research, the top “university” public policy programs lack diversity and inclusion of ideological perspectives.

• How your social connections impact your gut biome gets studied.
• From the wallet to the bed, promiscuity has a vibe.
• People who prefer dogs over cats get studied.
• What to be happier?  Get married suggests more evidence.
• A study confirms that predispositions predispose
• Evidence suggests that a more academically rigorous curriculum yields better cognitive health in later years.  While not studied, it stands to reason the corollary might also be true.
• More evidence shows that effective teacher compensation structures can improve teacher well-being and student achievement.
• Research suggests that unmonitored teachers produce lower student achievement.
• Adding to a mountain of research, more evidence that schedule shifts in high school can lower depression and improve student mental health and achievement.
• Common sense confirmed:  Engagement with civil society is inversely correlated with self-harm risks.
• What moves political opinions?  According to this research, chance is the best predictor.
• Aristotle confirmed: Like seeks like.  Voters have a same-class bias when picking candidates.
• Junk campaigning – evidence suggests that billboards have zero impact on voter turnout.
• The impact of residential mobility within a culture as a predictor of cultural norms is studied.
• Research into the spike of vaccine hesitancy in the fall of 2020 is interesting.
• More confirmatory common sense:  Marijuana legalization correlates with less exercise and greater snack food consumption in a population.
• The link between WIC eligibility and birth weight is researched.
• Misandry amongst voters confirmed in research (and here) regarding voter candidate preference.
• Counter narrative: According to this research, the free market benefits all, particularly women, compared to nations restricting market freedoms.
• More evidence is that gender pay differences result from parenting.