About Me

My research, at a broad level, investigates how social identities — people’s own, as well as those of others — influence evaluations and decisions. What role does identity play when deciding to engage in non-normative behavior, as well as reacting to examples of deviance and dissent? How do our identities shape our perceptions of right and wrong? When might our identities make us more receptive to the benefits of diversity and difference? I also tackle methodological questions in psychology. For example, what do implicit measures of bias — which have grown in popularity over the last decade — actually measure? Taken together, my research interests address the psychology underlying intragroup and intergroup processes: cooperation, conflict and everything in between.

I teach Principles of Psychology, in addition to upper-level seminars such as the Psychology of Gender and Psychology, Culture and Ethnicity. I also teach Research Methods, which I believe is one of the most valuable courses a student can take. Research methods — the ways in which we measure people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors; as well as the ways in which we draw conclusions from those measurements — is the engine of psychological discovery. These skills are a great strength to all students, regardless of their eventual career.

Other Information

• Lab website: www.ungsonlab.com 
  • Lab Location: Fisher Hall, Room 103
• Twitter: @NickUngson (www.twitter.com/NickUngson)

Courses Taught