Social Interaction and Policy Lab
Applied social psychology is an exciting field that studies many facets of group and intergroup processes. The Social Interaction and Policy Lab, headed by Dr. Sara Driskell, has two main research foci. One is to explore how group memberships affect how we perceive and interact with each other, through our social interactions and especially our nonverbal behaviors (such as eye contact, smiling, or seating distance). Ongoing projects include looking at affiliative behaviors in intergroup interactions and crowd behaviors/interactions. The other examines how factors like group membership impact social policies (such as courtroom and business practices). Ongoing projects for this focus include research into protesting, police body-worn cameras, and how businesses seek and use diversity.
The Social Interaction and Policy Lab welcomes passionate students from a variety of social and academic backgrounds to learn more about these topics and get hands on experience conducting research. Interested students should be able to volunteer for at least 6 hours per week, and they would ideally be able to commit at least 2 semesters to the lab.
If Interested: Students should email Dr. Driskell (driskell@auburn.edu) to set up an interview. They should also include a brief resume and a copy of their unofficial transcripts.