Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology - Social Psychology

Wilfrid Laurier University

Our PhD in Social Psychology program helps individuals with a strong research background to fully develop into outstanding independent research investigators. An apprenticeship model provides students with an opportunity to acquire advanced academic knowledge in social psychology. Students will develop basic and/or applied research skills on attitudes, social cognition, affect and wellbeing, the self, close relationships, intergroup relations, social interactions, and personality processes.Spanning several levels of analysis (e.g. social, cognitive, temporal), this research examines individuals, dyads and larger groups using both cutting edge and foundational methodologies (such as reaction-time measures, experience sampling and longitudinal self-reports, and moment-to-moment assessment, in addition to more standard experimental manipulations, surveys, questionnaires, and direct observation). The PhD dissertation requires original research that contributes significant new knowledge to the field. This research has clear practical implications within personal, organizational, social, political, and therapeutic contexts.