Dr. Elizabeth Paluck

Biography

Elizabeth Levy Paluck is a leading researcher in social psychology, focusing on the development and assessment of social psychological theories aimed at effecting change in society. Her work primarily addresses prejudice and intergroup conflict reduction through large-scale field experiments that examine theoretically driven interventions. These experiments have been conducted in various contexts, including the Central Horn of Africa and the United States, where they explored the impact of mass media and interpersonal communication on fostering tolerant and cooperative behaviors. Paluck's findings support a behavioral change model rooted in social norms and group influence, suggesting that altering citizens’ perceptions of typical desirable behaviors might be more beneficial than simply addressing knowledge or beliefs. She emphasizes the importance of strategies such as peer role model endorsement, narrative communication, and group discussions. Additionally, her research touches upon political and cultural change in post-conflict regions and the role of civic education. Her expertise extends to social scientific methodology, with a particular interest in causal inference and behavioral measurement.

Research Interests