Social Psychology of Racial Inequality

402 years after the introduction of slavery in America, and 156 years after its abolition, the United States remains a stratified and segregated society. What are factors that contribute to inequities, what are their consequences for how people think about the world around them, and how can we seek to address them?

This semester, you will work on projects addressing this question as part of the Mind in Society Lab (MiSL). Our research lab works at the intersection of individual psychology and institutional inequality, drawing from a range of techniques. 

The goals of this experience are twofold. First, you will contribute to research by working on one of several projects. We will spend the first part of the class covering the basics of current studies in the lab, getting human subjects training from the University of Michigan Institutional Review Board, and setting semester goals. Then, you will work on these projects, by helping to develop stimuli, review relevant literature, design studies, and collect data.

Second, you will learn about research on racial bias and psychological methods more broadly. Part of your learning will come from self-paced modules, covering the what, how, and why of research. You will pick up other lessons on the ground (or in the lab) as you assist with ongoing research. Further, you will learn from your classmates, through conversations in our lab meetings and discussions on Slack.

This course is a meet-together between OS 490.002 and PSYCH 401.010

***You can take this course for 1-4 credits, but 3 credits is the default.