Who's who in the Social Neuroscience Lab |
Stephen L. Crites, Ph.D.
Primary Investigator Contact Dr. Crites E: [email protected] 106 Psychology Building Department of Psychology University of Texas at El Paso |
My research focuses on the physiological and motivational processes that are associated with, and influence, cognitive processes and judgments. My students and I examine electrical brain activity when people make like-dislike judgments (attitudes) or activate memories about categories of people (stereotypes). Attitudes are evaluative (like-dislike) judgments that help guide behavior – we use our attitudes to decide with whom we associate, what foods to eat, what TV shows to watch, et cetera. Stereotypes are memory structures that we use to help us understand and prepare for social interactions (especially with people we do not know well). We can measure brain activity that occurs when people see another person (or food, object, etc.) to examine issues such as: how quickly do we activate attitudes, how automatic are stereotypes, and how are attitudes influenced by emotions, moods and motivation states (e.g., how do food attitudes change when people are hungry). An objective of this research is to understand how the brain makes judgments and how it adjusts these judgments based on other relevant information when needed. Some of our research also explores whether brain activity can be used to assess a person’s attitude even if they lie about it.
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Meet the Graduate Students |
Jessica R. Bray, B.S.
Graduate Student Contact Jessica E: jbray@miners.utep.edu 212 Vowell Hall Department of Psychology University of Texas at El Paso |
I’m a third year doctoral student working under Dr. Crites’ mentorship. My primary research interest investigates person perception. Specifically I’m interested in how spontaneous trait inferences influence person perception when exposed to stereotypes. I also have a few projects looking at the intergroup sensitivity effect, online dating, self-reported stereotyping, and social media habits.
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Jacqueline Lechuga, B.S.
Graduate Student Contact Jacqueline E: jlechuga5@miners.utep.edu 212 Vowell Hall Department of Psychology University of Texas at El Paso |
Second year graduate student in the Social Neuroscience Lab. My primary research interest is on close relationships. Specifically, I am interested in conducting research concerning romantic relationships, friendships, and the relationship between enemies. Currently, my research focuses on physical attractiveness, fear of being single, and unwanted pursuit behaviors.
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Meet the Research Assistants
Jackie Quezada
Undergraduate RA |
I'm currently an undergraduate senior completing my last semester at UTEP. I am studying Psychology with a minor in Biology and Communications. In the lab, I work under Jessica Bray, assisting with her research regarding person perception. Upon completing my Bachelor's degree, I would like to continue my education and expand on my research in order to obtain my PhD.
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Alumni
Aaron Gamboa, B.S.
Undergraduate RA Isaac Quintana, B.A. Undergraduate RA Mauricio Issa
Undergraduate RA |
Aaron graduated Summer 2017 with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology. He was actively involved in many research projects in the lab. He spent his senior year assisting Jessica Bray on her person perception study.
I volunteered under the leadership of Dr. Crites during my last semester at UTEP. I graduated with a BA in Psychology with a minor in Religious Studies. Through the Liberal Arts curriculum, I acquired extensive understanding of the human psyche. Thanks to volunteering in the Social Neuroscience Lab, I was able to utilize my knowledge to a setting of research. I currently desire to become a Master of Social Work student to apply myself to improving welfare and morale to those in need. Mauricio joined the Social Neuroscience Lab Summer 2017. He is a dedicated researcher who spent the summer running participants for Jessica Bray's person perception study. Mauricio has now graduated and is expected to continue doing great work!
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