We have zero tolerance for racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, or any other form of bigotry. New members and lab guests should understand the norm in our lab: if someone expresses prejudice or behaves in a discriminatory manner, other lab members (starting with MC) are expected to address it, then and there.

We seek through our work not only to make psychological discoveries but specifically those that might reduce human suffering and promote the causes of equity and justice. Power structures exclude certain people from the academy--both as practitioners and as beneficiaries. We seek to serve them.

• We do not subscribe to the arbitrary distinction between basic and applied research. We aim to do research that yields insights which could be helpful to practitioners and eventually (after thorough field testing) policy makers.

  • We highlight implications of our research for real-world problems but commit to highlighting just as much the limitations on generalizability.

• We also seek to better incorporate the influence of institutional and social structural factors in our research. None of what we study happens in a vacuum and we are committed to increasing integration of the broader context in our theorizing and research implementation.

  • We recognize that while psychology focuses in large part on the individual, sister fields such as sociology have been thinking about structural processes since their inception. We commit to reading more broadly, and strive to learn from narratives and sources that highlight the perspectives of historically marginalized individuals who might not be as widely cited. 

The questions that we focus on are undeniably informed by our experiences and personal values. We encourage everyone to bring their whole selves to their research. 

• We seek to diversify the voices contributing to the scientific enterprise. 

  • We take very seriously the task of mentoring young scientists (beyond our department) to broaden the pipeline of early career researchers. Every member of the lab participates in this process.

  • We are committed to reviewing continuously what research we cite, feature in our classes and presentations.

  • We pledge to seek feedback regularly on the climate in our lab, our department, and the broader university community.  

• Rather than deny these personal influences on our research, we declare our values outright, invite pointed criticism from as many people and perspectives as we are fortunate to receive, and continuously renew our commitment to intellectual humility.

• We strive to create a culture of learning and growth, in which we call people in instead of calling them out. Respectful, charitable disagreement helps advance science.

• Keeping this in mind we also strive to give feedback in a way that honors that people are bringing their whole selves to their research.

  • We communicate first and foremost with respect. When we ask questions or give feedback it is with the goal of making each other’s science better. 

Knowledge is something that once you have, no one can take away from you. We seek to create and share knowledge broadly, transparently, and equitably. 

• We engage in scientific outreach.

  • We make all of our papers freely available as preprints on our website.

  • We engage regularly in community outreach and programming (e.g., talks to non-academic audiences, writing for non-academic outlets).

• We advocate for and practice open science. 

  • We publicly post all of our materials, data, analysis code.