The Open University

The key to language is universal psychology, not universal grammar

24 August 2020

Dr Paul Ibbotson, lecturer in Developmental Psychology at The Open University explains how psychology shapes our language. What makes language special is part of what makes us special, so understanding what language is made of and how we learn it brings us closer to our human nature. Is language special because it runs on its […]

Five top tips for managing your personal finances during coronavirus

30 July 2020

Jonquil Lowe, Senior Lecturer in Economics and Personal Finance at The Open University, offers advice on how to manage your money through the coronavirus pandemic. When it comes to money, coronavirus has split the nation. Financial stress dominates for many of the 9.5 million employees on furlough, potentially facing unemployment as the scheme unwinds, and […]

Report charts mental health and wellbeing of emergency responders

24 July 2020

The mental health of emergency responders (ER) could be improved by better integration of wellbeing support into organisations, sharing of “best practice”, a single gateway to help navigate support services, and greater consideration of families’ needs, according to a new report by The Open University and King’s College London researchers. The work was funded by […]

I’ve been talking to conspiracy theorists for 20 years – here are my six rules of engagement

22 July 2020

Jovan Byford, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at The Open University discusses the rules he uses for talking about conspiracy theories. With prospects of a COVID-19 vaccine looking up, attention is also turning to the problem of anti-vax ideas. According to a recent survey, one in six Britons would refuse a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes […]

Report warns against “putting clock back” on tackling youth violence

13 July 2020

The final report of the cross-party Youth Violence Commission (YVC), supported by researchers from The Open University and the University of Warwick is launched today (Monday 13 July) calling for specific action to tackle the rising social and financial costs of youth violence. In light of COVID-19, the Commission is deeply concerned about the potential […]

Summer statement: Rishi Sunak goes all out for jobs, leaving public finances for another day

9 July 2020

Alan Shipman, Lecturer in Economics at The Open University, discusses the Government’s summer statement in Parliament and what it means for employment and the economy in the UK. Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s summer statement on July 8 was intended to show how the government can quickly end its emergency bankrolling of the economy, and let a […]

Nkurunziza’s life and Burundian politics: beyond the mourning and controversies

24 June 2020

Astrid Jamar, Lecturer in Development at The Open University and Rene Claude Niyonkuru, Researcher at the Universite catholique de Louvain discuss President Pierre Nkurunziza – and his legacy – following his sudden death earlier this month at the age of 55. They explore how his personal and political trajectory was entangled with a long legacy […]

Everybody needs good neighbours, especially right now

19 May 2020

This week we’re all being asked to take a little time out to be kind; kindness is the key ingredient for marking Mental Health Awareness Week. OU lecturer in Criminology Dr Julia Downes considers the difference neighbourhood groups called mutual aid groups are doing and could do, to help support those who might need a […]

Coronavirus: Ten economic steps to support employment

15 May 2020

As the UK and indeed the rest of the world looks at how to survive economically from the pandemic, amid fears of job losses and sustainability in many areas of employment, the OU’s Professor Paul Anand, Professor of Economics shares academic thinking on the policies which should be considered priority in a paper published by […]

Inflation or deflation – which would be worse right now?

7 May 2020

Alan Shipman, Lecturer In Economics at The Open University, discusses whether inflation or deflation would be worse for the UK economy in the current climate. Inflation among the 37 member states of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) fell from 2.3% in February to 1.7% in March. With all the damage to global health […]

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Category: Arts and social sciences