The Evolution and Social Interaction Cluster aims to use social, behavioural and evolutionary theory to approach human perception and behaviour, and to understand perception and behaviour within social settings. It unites researchers from two distinct research groups, the Perception, Evolution, and Behaviour group and the Social Research group, along with the Psychology and Communication Technology PaCT Lab specialist laboratory. This page brings together a collection of posts from staff, and students, working in the research cluster.
Read the latest posts about research from the evolution and social interaction group
Tackle loneliness with a little help from your friends
To mark #LonelinessAwarenessWeek one of our PhD students, Alexandra Thompson, tells us about her work on preventing loneliness in older adults
The Big 5 Episode 12: Dr. Amy Newman “We found that bisexual and queer people were significantly more likely to have experienced harmful sexual behaviors”
In honor of LGBTQ history month, on this episode, Dr. Amy Newman tells us about her research on the prevalence of sexual assualt in gender and relationship diverse couples. We also discuss the need for more inclusive laws and sex education. CW: sexual assault, coercive sex, relationship violence. Show notes: Looking for support after a…
The Big 5 Episode 10: Lee Shepherd “Anger is appropriate and legitimate when someone has dehumanized you through sexual objectification” (Funded PhD opportunity)
In this episode, Dr. Lee Shepherd tells us about his work on emotions and sexual objectification. He discusses how it feels to be objectified and why it’s so important to study this issue to prevent objectification from occuring and to help support victims. We also discuss a funded PhD opportunity to study the causes and…
Funded PhD Opportunity: “Get offline and back in the kitchen” Understanding online misogyny’s causes and consequences
In this blog post we discuss the dangers of online misogyny. We propose a PhD research project examining the experience of online misogyny and understanding who perpetrates online misogyny.
Understanding the harms of hate crime
This week is Hate Crime Awareness Week. To mark the week, Dr Jenny Paterson and Prof Mark Walters tell us about the impact of hate crime and how their work has informed policy and practice linked to hate crime prevention
Pseudoscience is taking over social media – and putting us all at risk
Dr Santosh Vijaykumar is a senior lecturer in the psychology department. In this blog he talks about the risks of misinformation online and possible solutions.
Paying with a palm print? We’re victims of our own psychology in making privacy decisions
In this article, Professor Pam Briggs discusses privacy concerns linked to biometric identification
Why we are secretly attracted to people who look like our parents
In this post, Dr Tamsin Saxton talks about her own research looking at why people often pick partners who look similar to their parents
How to talk to your doctor about information you find online
Authors: Dr Liz Sillence and Dr Lauren Bussey More and more people are going online to search for information about their health. Though it can be a minefield, where unverified sources abound, searching the internet can help people to understand different health problems, and give them access to emotional and social support. For many in…
Conspiracy theories start to take hold at age 14, study suggests
In this post, Dr Daniel Jolley talks about his work developing a conspiracy beliefs questionnaire for young people
Hirsutes you sir: but that beard might mean more to men than women
In this post, Dr Tamsin Saxton talks about her research looking at the role of facial hair in attractiveness from the perspective of evolutionary psychology
How our phones disconnect us when we’re together
In this blog, Dr Genavee Brown talks about her research in to mobile phone use, and the impact it can have on the quality of face to face interactions with friends
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
Northumbria University Psychology Department 