Social Minds Lab

Humans are remarkable in their ability to engage in large-scale acts of cooperation. To make such acts possible, humans have to connect and work effectively with others. 

The goal of our research in the Social Minds Lab is to uncover mechanisms that enable people to engage in effective and successful social interactions. Our work employs methods from cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience (e.g., fMRI, EEG), and social psychology.

Some of our research questions:

• How does social context impact the degree to which people reason about the minds of other people?

• What types of interpersonal dynamics lead to successful conversations?

• What are factors that contribute to people's willingness to share information about themselves with others?

• How does social anxiety impact the way people perceive and respond to others?

A list of our publications can be found here.

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Alumni

• Natali Bakestani (2024-2025) - Currently a senior majoring in psychology and minoring in neuroscience

• Kasandra Gonzalez (2024-2025) - Pursuing an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at TCNJ

• Ava Oberlin (2023-2025) - Pursuing an MA in School Counseling at Caldwell University

• Amanda Schiltz (2023-2024) - Pursuing an MA in School Counseling at North Carolina State University

• Gabriella Tomon (2023-2024) - Pursuing graduate school in psychology

• Isis Day (2022-2023) - Pursuing an MA in Clinical Mental Health with a concentration in art therapy at Caldwell University