My research interests are in the areas of intergroup relations,
prejudice-reduction and political behavior.
Much of my work investigates the strategies individuals use to deal
with situations where an in-group (e.g., their nation) has violated
their personal values, via a transgression (e.g. actions during war).
Within this framework, I investigate when people will allow unjust
in-group behavior to continue. I am also interested in the effects of
identity processes and ideology on the collective action tendencies of
disadvantaged groups. Additionally, I am interested in the role of
psychological needs in explaining differences between politically
liberal and conservative individuals' political behavior (e.g.,
decision-making).
My approach is interdisciplinary, such that I use social psychology,
political psychology, and government/public policy studies to inform
the investigation of individual behavior, as well as the consequences
of public policy. Broadly, I seek to use my research to inform
domestic and foreign policy.