I work on different research projects that focus on the psychology of belief systems and worldviews, both religious and secular. I am interested in the psychological functions of belief systems and I focus in particular on the psychology of science. My current research interests can be summarized into four interrelated research themes and questions:
- How do people evaluate science, and what are the antecedents of science acceptance and rejection? Why – and to what extent – is science skepticism heterogenous?
- How do people cope with threats to perceptions of order and predictability, control, and meaning? I am interested in how science, religion, and other belief systems and worldviews aid people’s search for order, control, and meaning in the world.
- How do people perceive representatives of the aforementioned belief systems and worldviews? For example, what are common attitudes and stereotypes about science and religion, and about scientists and believers?
- Do optimal levels of order and control exist? For example, what are the psychological consequences of experiencing too much order, and does such a state lead to a temporarily heightened preference for disorder?
