My research explores how social concerns—from group memberships to moral beliefs—shape the perceptions, cognitions and evaluations that drive behavior, and the underlying neural mechanisms that mediate these processes. This work builds on some basic assumptions about the dynamic nature of human perception and evaluation that are different from the dual process models that permeate psychology. My primary line of research takes a multi-level approach to self-categorization and social identity, blending theory and methods from social psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Other lines of research explore the flexibility of moral judgment and the effects of social context and individual differences on social perception and evaluation.
Volunteer Full or part time
3
None given Both undergraduate and graduate students
Description
Research Assistants are paired with faculty, graduate students, or other researchers on a one-to-one basis to pursue common research goals in psychology. Undergraduates serve as apprentices on laboratory and field research projects and in return receive guidance in reading and developing research skills. In our lab this involves conducting basic research and is often useful preparation for an honors thesis or graduate degree in psychology. Weekly lab meetings deal with research methods and design and allow students an opportunity to learn about the theoretical rationale behind their research projects and contribute to the research process.
Application Process
Research Assistant opportunities include volunteer work, independent study (for course credit), honors research and paid summer research opportunities. If you would like to be considered for a Research Assistant position in my lab please send Lab Manager Jillian Swencionis a brief resume (1 page) and cover letter (1 page) outlining your relevant experiences, goals, and skills, and your overall GPA. Research Assistant positions are competitive and we generally take students with a strong academic record (e.g., GPA > 3.5), but no previous research experience is necessary.
Cunningham, W. A., Van Bavel, J. J., Arbuckle, N. L., Packer, D. J., & Waggoner, A. S. (2012). Automatic social perception is flexible: Approach and avoidance motivational states shape P100 responses to other-race faces. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
Gill., M. J., Packer, D. J., & Van Bavel, J. J. (2012). More to morality than mutualism: Consistent contributors exist and they can inspire costly generosity in others. Behavioral and Brain Sciences.
Van Bavel, J. J., & Cunningham, W. A. (in press). A social identity approach to person memory: Group membership, collective identification, and social role shape attention and memory. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.
