Benevolent - last line research. When picked doesn't add any research points
Malevolent - Last line, third from the left (if I remember correctly) ships that enter my territory get 25% reduction to HP. In reality I get HP reduction instead of opponent.
I used the research line in most of my games and it gives research, I also looked into the xmls and it looked nothing out of place.
But depending on what tech you are currently researching they might not give enough to unlock it instantly so you wont see anything happen.
Try to take them when researching early game techs or when you nearly finished researching a tech and it should unlock after picking the perk.
The malevolent trait seems to have a typo:
<Trait>
<InternalName>AweTrait3</InternalName>
<DisplayName>AweTrait3_Name</DisplayName>
<ShortDescription>AweTrait3_ShortDec</ShortDescription>
<Description>AweTrait3_Dec</Description>
...
<Stats>
<EffectType>HitPointsCap</EffectType>
<Scope>ZOC</Scope>
<Target>
<TargetType>Ship</TargetType>
<TargetRelation>
Self</TargetRelation>
</Target>
<BonusType>Multiplier</BonusType>
<Value>-0.25</Value>
</Stats>
</Trait>
compared to other perks that effect other factions, here the reduction of the shared border penalty:
<Trait>
<InternalName>AweTrait1</InternalName>
<DisplayName>AweTrait1_Name</DisplayName>
<ShortDescription>AweTrait1_ShortDec</ShortDescription>
<Description>AweTrait1_Dec</Description>
...
<Stats>
<EffectType>DiplomacySharedBordersWeight</EffectType>
<Target>
<TargetType>Faction</TargetType>
</Target>
<BonusType>Flat</BonusType>
<Value>-1</Value>
</Stats>
</Trait>
I'll submit a ticket.
