Psychology Research at Hanover

Resources for Conducting Research

Current Research Studies at Hanover

Faculty Research Labs

Psychology and Popular Culture

Faculty: Dr. Skip Dine-Young

Contact: youngst[at]hanover[dot]edu

Office: Science Center 156

Summary: My research program focuses the overlap between psychology and popular culture (particularly movies and music). Specifically I am interested in what I call "pop culture as equipment for living"--that is, the way that movies, music and popular art in general are experienced by people and become part of their everyday lives. Currently I am working on two projects. One is a large-scale web-based survey in which I am attempting to identify the movies that have been most personally important to people. The second project is an analysis of the criticisms of Bob Dylan's music, trying to identify what people like and don't like about it. I am doing this analysis through the lens of virtues and character strengths that have been identified by psychologists as being related to meaningful, productive lives.

Biopsychosocial Lab

Faculty: Dr. Mary Saczawa

Contact: saczawa[at]hanover[dot]edu

Office: Science Center 152

Summary: My research broadly addresses factors that contribute to risk for psychological disorders during adolescence and early adulthood. I am interested in social development, neuropsychological effects of adrenal hormones, and pubertal timing. My current research projects include an analysis of the reliability and validity of methods for measuring long-term hormone levels, specifically looking at the effects of cosmetic products on hormone concentrations in hair and nails, and experimental assessment of the effects of social ostracism on social interactions. I am also looking into effects of various teaching practices on students' perceptions of the science of Psychology.

Developmental Laboratory

Faculty: Dr. Rachel Thomas

Contact: thomasra[at]hanover[dot]edu

Office: Science Center 155

Summary: My research centers issues of diversity and inclusion in human development, primarily in educational settings. Projects include topics examining elementary teachers' attitudes about diverse gender expressions, the use of LGBTQ+ inclusive literature in elementary curriculum, students' sense of personal agency in inclusive/special educational settings, and more.

Student Research Projects

The Hanover Psychology Department prides itself on the breadth of applied experience our students receive as part of the major course of study. Over half of the psychology courses at Hanover include a laboratory section, providing students with valuable experience applying course concepts and conducting and presenting original research studies. Examples of these projects can be found on the individual course pages.