Folklore and Identity Lab

The Folklore and Identity Lab focuses on multi and interdisciplinary research in the areas of fan studies, psychological sense of community, purpose and motivation, folklore, and the study of superstition. Additionally, the lab works and coordinates with colleagues in History, Natural Resources Management, Forestry, and more, to examine social science research through a number of perspectives.  

Current Research Agenda

Currently the Folklore and Identity Lab, led by Dr. Daniel Chadborn is focused on a number of research lines tied to social identity, sense of community, and association with folk stories and supernatural beliefs. the purpose of these studies are not to examine whether these remedios, folk entities, or supernatural claims are real, but to study how these beliefs and experiences influence the community in different ways. Additionally, we are examining aspects of fan culture and community, social identity perspectives of a variety of traits and concepts, and mix methodology data on the community following the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon fires in 2022.