My research explores how and why people support their existing sociopolitical systems--even in cases when they seem unfair or illegitimate. More specifically, I am interested in how basic cognitive tools that we use early in life lead us to believing that our societies are fair and just. I've on projects that investigate the early roots of system justification, political conservatism, and nationalism.
I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Chicago, and my M.A. and Ph.D in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I currently work as a Senior Analyst at EAB, conducting syndicated research for higher education institutions.
Experience
2017–present
Senior Analyst, Strategic Reserach, EAB
2012–2017
Doctoral Researcher, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Education
2017
University of Illinois a Urbana-Champaign, Ph.D in Psychology
2014
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, M.A. in Psychology
2012
University of Chicago, B.A. in Psychology
Publications
2017
Investigating the origins of political views: Biases in explanation predict conservative attitudes in children and adults, Developmental Science
2017
Memory accessibility shapes explanation: Testing key claims of the inherence heuristic account, Memory and Cognition
2015
An early-emerging explanatory heuristic promotes support for the status quo, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Grants and Contracts
2013
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
Role:
Funding Source:
National Science Foundation
Professional Memberships
Cognitive Development Society
Society for Personality and Social Psychology
Society for Research in Child Development
Honours
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship