Research Interests

Sohad studies intergroup relations with a specialization in prejudice reduction. Her work addresses shortcomings in theory and practice, namely, a dearth of scientifically evaluated and proven methods of prejudice reduction.

Entertainment Media & Narratives 

This research is focused on the use of entertainment media and narratives to reduce prejudice and create positive intergroup attitudes. I evaluate different types of media (e.g., sitcoms, music videos) as forms of intervention for reducing prejudice towards social minorities. I also examine the underlying psychological processes that lead to shifts in intergroup attitudes and explore the concrete types of content necessary for reducing prejudice.

Social Norms

This research is focused on the use of social norms messaging to foster positive intergroup relations in academic and work settings. I develop social norms interventions and test their effectiveness in reducing prejudice and improving the climate.

Biases in Academic Medicine

This research is focused on the detection and reduction of racial, religious, and genders biases in academic medicine. I examine social identity as a predictor of bias in medical research, in the experiences of medical practitioners, and in the healthcare of patients.

Ongoing Projects

Improving inclusion and equity in minority serving institutions using norms interventions

A multi-stage project that includes assessing the climate and identifying major issues around academic equity, social inclusion, and achievement at a minority serving institution; designing a media intervention using social norms messaging; and examining the effects of the intervention and identifying underlying mechanisms among minority students using field experiments.

Discrimination, accommodation, and inclusion: Examining Muslim clinician experiences and workplace policies within academic medicine

A mixed-methods project including surveys of Muslim physicians in the U.S. and U.K. about their experiences as practicing physicians in academic institutions and qualitative interviews with U.S. physicians about lived experiences as Muslims within academic medicine.

Understanding the role of entertainment media in shaping positive intergroup attitudes

A series of experiments examining the psychological processes underlying positive effects of entertainment media on intergroup prejudices with a focus on social norm perceptions and psychological resistance.

The role of discrimination in policing and surveillance on social alienation and radicalization

A cross-cultural survey study examining the relationship between policing, surveillance, sociodemographic factors, alienation, radicalization, and support for various public policies among individuals in the U.S., U.K., and Germany.