Our lab is mainly interested in human behavior that is viewed as deviant or criminal, and legal perceptions of these behaviors. We also conduct research on other topics as well such as educational technology and issues involving college students. Really we love exploring all kinds of topics!
Deviant behavior is behavior that violates social norms or expectations. Examples of deviant behavior range from discrimination to illicit drug use to homicide. Research in this area may attempt to understand factors such as the personality traits, socio-cultural influences, and mental health issues that lead to deviant behavior.
By criminal behavior, we are specifically interested in interpersonal violence, whereby an individual or a small group of individuals intentionally uses force or power against another person. Interpersonal violence may be physical, sexual, or psychological (also called emotional violence), and it may involve deprivation and neglect.
We have a number of current projects going on and are always open to suggestions! Here are some examples:
- How can we develop culturally informed bystander intervention programs for Black college students to counteract racial microaggressions? (beginning phase; read study overview).
- Do factors of ethnic identity help protect against alcohol misuse in college students of color ?(data collection begun).
- Can relationship beliefs explain why people high in Dark Triad traits tend to have a need for dominance in cases of sexual intimacy? (Data collected, data analysis begun)
- Do coping styles and personality factors help explain the relationship between race related stress and mental health? (Data collected, data analysis begun)
If you are interested in joining any of these projects to help out as a research assistant, please contact me at amlippert@pvamu.edu