I have a wide variety of research interests, all of which are supported by an underlying interest in open science, quantitative methods, and research methods. In particular, I am interested in novel anaylses and methodologies that can contribute to a more robust and replicable science. A brief description of some of my research focuses follows.
Videogames
Videogames represent an utterly novel form of interactive fiction, offering audiences opportunities for agency and character identification heretofore unseen in media. I am deeply interested in how and why we play videogames and the individual differences that drive varying player behaviour. My dissertation research focuses on identifying different types of gamers, understanding the motivations behind each type, and identifying how different genres of games serve different needs.
Absurdity and Meaning-Making
My Master’s thesis research focused on the perception of absurd humour. In particular, I was interested in the polarised reactions absurdity tends to elicit, which include threat, mirth, and a profound sense of meaning. I investigated the effects of personality and context (expectations, knowledge of intention) on appreciation for absurd humour. This work was part of a broader question of how meaning is constructed in cases when meaningfulness is ambiguous and what role personality plays in that construction.
Misinformation
Misinformation, pseudoscience, and pseudo-profound bullshit all represent very real threats to our society. I am interested in studying susceptibility to misinformation and, in particular, I am curious about how need frustration and uncertainty contribute to misinformation receptivity. I propose that the increased acceptance of misinformation and pseudoscience is the result of increasing precarity, uncertainty, and need frustration. Those whose needs are not being met are seeking out alternative explanations and worldviews that may help them to satisfy these needs, or at least to better understand why society is failing to meet them. I am currently in the process of developing a program of research around these hypotheses.