Social Interventions + Intergroup Relations Lab
Research focus.
Developing + testing social interventions that reduce prejudice + promote inclusivity.
How can entertainment media narratives be leveraged to reduce bias and improve intergroup attitudes?
Can subtle messages about pro-diversity norms improve how people behave towards outgroup members?
Understanding minority experiences with prejudice + discrimination in various settings
How does the social climate affect students’ experiences and performance in college?
How does being a visible minority in the workplace affect people’s well-being, self-concept, and career outcomes?
Lab members.
Lab Manager: Yinqing Zheng, M.A.
I graduated from the Masters of Arts Program in the Social Sciences from the University of Chicago with a concentration in Psychology in 2022. I investigated the effect of foreign language on probability judgment of future events. I completed my BA in China, majoring in Translation and minoring in Psychology. During undergrad, I completed a thesis project investigating the effect of self-affirmation on improving the performance of interpreters with different English education backgrounds and conducted an innovation project exploring the effect of healthy life habits on depression. I’ve volunteered at Dr. Cohen’s lab at Stanford and Dr. Conley’s lab and U of Michigan. My research interests currently focus on group dynamics and social cognition, especially concepts surrounding inequality.
Research Assistant: Aastha Chouhan
I’m Aastha Chouhan, a psychology student at UIC! I love learning more about existing social structures and how we can overcome them, especially through exploring the science behind our thoughts and behaviors. I love to spend time outside and I’m hoping to continue my education in the field of psychology in grad school in the next few years.
Research Assistant: Marya Hamoui
Hi! My name is Marya Hamoui. I am a junior and I’m a psychology and communication double major. As an Arab immigrant I have seen how the media perpetuates certain ideas about different ethnic groups, specifically Arabs. A majority of the time they are not necessarily true. I am interested in the repercussions of these media representations, how they affect intergroup relations, and shape stereotypes and prejudice. Outside of school I love to read, watch Formula 1, try new restaurants with my friends, have boba, and go on walks.
Research Assistant: Maddie Warren
Hello! I’m Maddie and I’m a senior majoring in psychology and minoring in philosophy at UIC. I’m very passionate about research in psychology and am looking forward to continuing my education into graduate school. My research interests are in social justice issues such as racial issues, LGBTQ+ issues, women’s issues, religious issues, disability issues, accessibility issues, and much more. I love learning about different people and cultures because it helps me understand, recognize and appreciate our differences. There are many assumptions and prejudices against different marginalized groups and I hope to explore different ways in which prejudice and discrimination can be reduced in order to make our society a more accepting place. Outside of school, I enjoy watching anime, crocheting, drawing, trying different ramen places, and hanging out with my friends.
Lab alumni.
Amtul Najiyah was a RA in the lab during Fall 2022. She was a senior majoring in psychology and minoring in business administration.