Paul Taylor

Paul Taylor (Ph.D., CPsychol) is interested in the processes that underpin cooperation and violence. Using experimental, archival and field research, he has studied both the fundamental nature of human interaction and, more practically, the kinds of verbal and nonverbal behaviours that promote cooperation and peaceful resolutions.

Paul’s work considers a range of forensic contexts. He has examined the interpersonal dynamics of crisis negotiations, police interrogations, pub fights, vetting interviews, and serious sexual assaults. He has also used ‘process’ methodologies to study life stories, such as the factors that precede violence in the lives of male and female terrorists. Common patterns emerge over these contexts, which have provided Paul the basis to give operational support and training to law enforcement agencies worldwide.

Paul is Professor of Psychology at Lancaster University, UK, and Professor of Human Interaction at Twente University, The Netherlands. At Lancaster, he directs Security-Lancaster, a University-wide centre of excellence comprising 60 staff and the latest in research and training facilities. He is editor of Legal and Criminological Psychology, and has himself published in journals such as Law and Human Behavior, Journal of Applied Psychology, and Psychological Science.