The Social Psychology Program at UMass has two major areas of strength: 1) the cognitive and affective processes underlying social behavior, and 2) the psychology of peace and prevention of violence. The former is particularly evident in research programs focused on prejudice and discrimination, mood effects on social judgments, social affective neuroscience, morality, and close relationships. The Social Psychology Program is also home to a specialization in peace and the prevention of violence and offers a concentration in this area. The Psychology of Peace and Violence Program focuses on broad theory, rigorous methodology, and practical application as they relate to intergroup conflict and conflict resolution.
Here are some of the current laboratories in social psychology:
- The Culture and Morality Lab, directed by Mohammad Atari
- The Implicit Social Cognition Lab, directed by Nilanjana Dasgupta
- The Affect and Social Cognition Lab, directed by Linda Isbell
- The Human Relations Lab, directed by Brian Lickel
- The Family Relationships, Affective Science, & Minority Health (FAM) Lab directed by Evelyn Mercado
- The Social Processes and Health Lab, directed by Allecia Reid
- The Intergroup Relations and Social Justice Lab directed by Linda Tropp