Credibility and Trust
In theory, sources demonstrating trustworthiness and expertise will be perceived as credible. However, my research reveals a more complex reality (e.g., credibility perceptions are heavily influenced by whether sources and recipients share similar views, particularly on value-laden topics). This phenomenon poses challenges for expert communication. When experts take positions that conflict with recipient beliefs, their perceived credibility can diminish regardless of their actual qualifications. My research investigates these dynamics and their implications across contexts. Additionally, this line of work investigates the complex role of trust (e.g., in scientists, institutions) and cognitive bias in attitudes and behavior.
Information Integrity
We regularly engage in information-saturated environments in part due to social media and emerging technologies. This line of my research focuses on how people engage with and evaluate information, why misleading or false information (e.g., in the form of conspiracy theories) sometimes seems compelling, and how we can design more effective approaches to addressing information integrity issues across contexts.
Persuasion and Persuasive Messaging
This line of research explores how we can leverage persuasion as a tool for social good, examining how factors including message design, timing, and delivery influence willingness to adopt attitudes, beneficial behaviors, or support important causes. In addition, this work explores the challenges of communicating across ideological divides and the role of value alignment in persuasive success.