Applied Psychological science
Manipulation & Persuasion Defense
We lead research on a preventive approach that builds resistance to harmful online manipulation before exposure. Our work has included:
- Designed and conducted randomized controlled trials with 4,500+ participants testing interventions against extremist manipulation
- Developed novel methodologies for identifying and countering manipulation tactics in online
- Created interventions that achieved 7-24% reductions in agreement with harmful manipulative content
- Scaled interventions through social media partnerships reaching nearly 2 million individuals
This multi-year engagement showcases our ability to translate complex psychological theory into scalable, evidence-based interventions with real-world impact.
Advanced Statistical modeling
Climate Behavior & Risk Perception Modeling
We partnered with Stanford scientists to develop the Dynamic Model of Climate Action (DCMA), examining how risk perceptions and adaptation behaviors evolve over time. Our contributions included:
- Advanced longitudinal analysis of 2,774 residents surveyed across 5 waves (2017-2022)
- Multilevel modeling of reciprocal associations between perceptions and behaviors
- Novel findings: Adaptation behaviors are paradoxically associated with lower future preparedness motivation
- Published in PNAS Nexus, informing national climate adaptation policy
This project demonstrates our expertise in complex longitudinal analysis and translating behavioral insights for policy applications.
Read the publication: https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/3/4/pgae099/7641944
Cross-Cultural Memory & Identity Research
We provided advanced statistical consulting and analysis for a landmark study examining how cultural microsystems shape autobiographical memory. Our contributions included:
- Complex Statistical Analysis Pipeline: Designed and executed comprehensive analyses including ANCOVAs with covariates, equivalence testing using Bayesian methods (TOSTER/brms), and multiple comparison corrections for 20+ dependent variables
- Power Analysis & Sample Size Consultation: Conducted power analyses addressing reviewer concerns about gender × culture interactions with unbalanced cells
- Methodological Rigor: Implemented appropriate corrections for chance agreement (kappa statistics), handled missing data, and validated assumptions across all statistical models
- Publication Support: Statistical expertise contributed to publication in Memory, a leading journal in cognitive psychology
This collaboration demonstrates our ability to navigate complex cultural psychology research requiring sophisticated multilevel analyses while maintaining scientific rigor for peer review.
Read the publication: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09658211.2022.2098979
Survey design & impact testing
Prevention Program Evaluation
We led the testing and statistical analysis for a comprehensive year-long longitudinal impact study evaluating a resource guide designed to help parents and caregivers identify, address, and prevent youth extremism and radicalization. Our work demonstrates expertise in translating prevention science into measurable behavioral outcomes:
- Rigorous Longitudinal Design: Tracked 1,556 participants across 5 waves over 12 months with sophisticated retention strategies (60% retention rate)
- Multilevel Impact Assessment: Implemented a novel evaluation framework distinguishing between awareness (48.1% increase), knowledge accuracy (13.3% increase), and action-behavior intentions (10.9% increase)
- Behavioral Outcome Measurement: Documented that 9.6% of participants used guide information to prevent radicalization; 11.6% joined or created prevention groups
- Advanced Statistical Modeling: Implemented piecewise mixed-effects models with multiple covariates, examining moderating effects of parenting style, political identity, and demographic factors
- Machine Learning Integration: Applied data-driven clustering to identify parenting style patterns most responsive to intervention
Key Finding: Authoritative parenting style and concern for youth psychological safety were the strongest predictors of guide effectiveness—insights that informed subsequent resource development.
This work exemplifies our ability to conduct rigorous longitudinal research that bridges the gap between intervention development and real-world impact assessment.