Social + Cultural Psychology
Research Focus
The Self in Culture
Psychologists are increasingly concerned with how human conduct is embodied in social and cultural patterns. The sociocultural context is evident in the historical and ethnic sources of a person's identity, the conversations that frame self-perception, the situations that foster psychological defense, and the imaginative experiences (e.g., art, dreams) that alter one's sense of self.
Methodological Diversity
Within sociocultural psychology, the phenomenon of interest rather than general epistemic imperatives-guides methodological choices. Research involves a diverse array of methods, including social psychological experimentation, surveys and interviews, discourse and conversation analysis, and phenomenological and hermeneutic studies.
History + Theory
Psychologists' conceptions of human conduct reflect the historical contexts from which they emerge. So, an appreciation of contemporary approaches to research in sociocultural psychology requires consideration of its theoretical, philosophical, and historical bases.
Associated Psychology Research Labs
- Culture and Cognition Lab (Dr. Taka Masuda)
- Group Processes and Leadership Lab (Dr. David Rast)
- Intercultural Communications Lab (Dr. Kim Noels)
- Nash Social Neuroscience Lab (Dr. Kyle Nash)