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Without Prejudice

Unpacking stereotypes, bias, and discrimination

Bias
Thinking of Others as Individuals, Not Group Members

Gordon Hodson Ph.D. on December 10, 2020

People intuit that thinking of outgroup members as people, not group members, can reduce prejudice. But does this “decategorization” process work?

People intuit that thinking of outgroup members as people, not group members, can reduce prejudice. But does this “decategorization” process work?

Relationships
Why “Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin” Doesn't Work

Gordon Hodson Ph.D. on April 28, 2020

“Love the sinner, hate the sin” sounds tolerant, but these beliefs are actually associated with negative attitudes toward sexual minorities.

“Love the sinner, hate the sin” sounds tolerant, but these beliefs are actually associated with negative attitudes toward sexual minorities.

Bias
How We Value and Devalue Animals

Gordon Hodson Ph.D. on December 23, 2019

Most people say they love animals. But they also react to animals with indifference, or worse, exploit and/or consume them. What does this tell us about human psychology?

Most people say they love animals. But they also react to animals with indifference, or worse, exploit and/or consume them. What does this tell us about human psychology?

Replication Crisis
Variety Is the Spice of Life (In Research Too)

Gordon Hodson Ph.D. on December 21, 2019

Critics (correctly) argue that too much psychology research investigates Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic (WEIRD) samples. Is the same true for genetic research?

Critics (correctly) argue that too much psychology research investigates Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic (WEIRD) samples. Is the same true for genetic research?

Bias
When Black People Climb, Do White People Fall?

Gordon Hodson Ph.D. on December 9, 2019

Discrimination perceptions are often out of sync with discrimination experiences.

Discrimination perceptions are often out of sync with discrimination experiences.

Bias
Why Vegans Make Some People So Uncomfortable and Angry

Gordon Hodson Ph.D. on October 27, 2019

People are increasingly adopting plant-based diets, but this coincides with increased bias/violence against vegetarians and vegans. What does this tell us about human psychology?

People are increasingly adopting plant-based diets, but this coincides with increased bias/violence against vegetarians and vegans. What does this tell us about human psychology?

Politics
Women Perched Atop the Glass Cliff in Politics

Gordon Hodson Ph.D. on September 5, 2019

Women face structural obstacles at work when it comes to promotion, often called the “glass ceiling.” But are they also placed in prominent positions when the “ship is going down”?

Women face structural obstacles at work when it comes to promotion, often called the “glass ceiling.” But are they also placed in prominent positions when the “ship is going down”?

Bias
White Men Hold Privilege at Universities

Gordon Hodson Ph.D. on August 4, 2019

We frequently hear that universities are (too) left-leaning. But do professors answer emails from minority and female Ph.D. applicants at the same rate as White male applicants?

We frequently hear that universities are (too) left-leaning. But do professors answer emails from minority and female Ph.D. applicants at the same rate as White male applicants?

Bias
What Happens When Racism and Sexism Go Mainstream?

Gordon Hodson Ph.D. on May 4, 2019

Public discourse has arguably coarsened, often to the point of vulgarity. Are shifting norms linked to the surges in violence against disadvantaged and marginalized groups?

Public discourse has arguably coarsened, often to the point of vulgarity. Are shifting norms linked to the surges in violence against disadvantaged and marginalized groups?

Gender
Does Having Daughters Make Men Less Sexist?

Gordon Hodson Ph.D. on January 20, 2019

New study reveals that men with daughters become less sexist, known as the “mighty girl” effect. But this story is more complex than the headline would have you believe.

New study reveals that men with daughters become less sexist, known as the “mighty girl” effect. But this story is more complex than the headline would have you believe.

Bias
Sexism in the 2016 US Presidential Election

Gordon Hodson Ph.D. on October 12, 2018

New study allows us to empirically address the role of sexism in voting for Trump over Clinton in the 2016 U.S. election.

New study allows us to empirically address the role of sexism in voting for Trump over Clinton in the 2016 U.S. election.

Diet
Meat Eating and Political Ideology

Gordon Hodson Ph.D. on September 10, 2018

New numbers out by Gallup show that Americans from the left and right are also divided in meat consumption.

New numbers out by Gallup show that Americans from the left and right are also divided in meat consumption.

Motivation
U.S. vs Canada: Tariffs and Tiffs

Gordon Hodson Ph.D. on July 6, 2018

Historically, U.S. presidents have a record of lashing out at Canadian prime ministers. Why do we develop negative attitudes toward our friends and allies?

Historically, U.S. presidents have a record of lashing out at Canadian prime ministers. Why do we develop negative attitudes toward our friends and allies?

Sex
Ideology Trumps Sex

Gordon Hodson Ph.D. on April 6, 2018

You might think that being a man or a woman would be a strong predictor of outcomes affecting women’s rights. You’d be wrong.

You might think that being a man or a woman would be a strong predictor of outcomes affecting women’s rights. You’d be wrong.

President Donald Trump
Political Overconfidence

Gordon Hodson Ph.D. on November 26, 2017

President Trump is not alone in stating that complex and time-consuming tasks can be accomplished easily. Is this a political phenomenon, or basic human nature?

President Trump is not alone in stating that complex and time-consuming tasks can be accomplished easily. Is this a political phenomenon, or basic human nature?

Race and Ethnicity
Conservatism Predicts Lapses Back to Meat Consumption

Gordon Hodson Ph.D. on September 15, 2017

Although those on the right eat more meat in general, some nonetheless attempt to quit. New research provides insights into why they may struggle.

Although those on the right eat more meat in general, some nonetheless attempt to quit. New research provides insights into why they may struggle.

Politics
Minority Growth Makes Other Minorities More Conservative

Gordon Hodson Ph.D. on June 29, 2017

When majority groups (e.g., Whites in the US) perceive growth of minority groups they endorse more conservative positions. Is this also true for minorities?

When majority groups (e.g., Whites in the US) perceive growth of minority groups they endorse more conservative positions. Is this also true for minorities?

Attention
Why Hitler Did Not Use Chemical Weapons on the Battlefield

Gordon Hodson Ph.D. on April 18, 2017

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer recently stated (incorrectly) that Hitler did not use chemical weapons on his own people. How can psychology inform this discussion?

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer recently stated (incorrectly) that Hitler did not use chemical weapons on his own people. How can psychology inform this discussion?