University of Southampton

Biography

I obtained my B.A. in Psychology from Trinity College Dublin in 1993, and my Ph.D in Personality and Social Psychology from Yale University in 2000. From 2000 to 2004, I worked as a research fellow in the School of Psychology at the University of Southampton. From September 2004, I began working there as a lecturer. I belong to the Personality and Social Psychology Research Group, and am a member of the Centre for Research on Self and Identity (CRSI).

Duties

I am currently Director of Undergraduate Studies. I also supervise Wendy de Waal-Andrews, a Ph.D student, and Alica Anokhina, a Masters student.

Teaching Activities

Currently, I teach undergraduates only. In particular, I teach a Year 2 lecture unit entitled "Individual Differences: Personality and Intelligence" and a Year 3 seminar unit entitled "Self and Identity". 

Research Interests

My primary research interests lie at the interface of self and social cognition. I study the phenomenon of self-enhancement in its various manifestations, and have expertise in the use of implicit measures. I am also interested in the psychology and technology of lie detection.

Work in Progress

Among other things, I am currently investigating:

1) the relative contribution of valence and salience to Implicit Association Test (IAT) effects;

2) parametric variations of the Timed Antagonistic Response Alethiometer (TARA), a new lie detector;

3) whether or not any motive to verify (as opposed to enhance or assess) their identity exists;

4)  various subtle manifestations of automatic self-positivity, and their implications;

5) whether self-esteem functions to regulate interpersonal rank as well as social inclusion;

6) the between self-regard and materialism.