In the Causal Cognition Lab, we are primarily interested in causal knowledge, concepts, and categorization. We investigate how causal and explanatory knowledge is mentally represented and organized, and how this representation affects basic cognitive processes such as categorization, reasoning, and decision making. We are particularly interested in the effects of causal representations on person categorization (disease and disorder diagnoses; stereotyping).

Causal Theories and Categorization

One line of our research program seeks to uncover a fuller picture of how causal theories of concepts affect categorization and reasoning processes. Toward this end, we attempt to experimentally map out specific and reliable mechanisms whereby a person's causal theories of a concept influence categorization, memory, and decision-making. Our lab group examines these causal theory effects in both artificial concepts developed for highly controlled studies and real-world concepts.

Diagnostic Reasoning and Clinical Thinking

We are currently studying how knowledge of the causal structure of diseases and disorders affects clinical thinking and decision making. In particular, we are interested in the effects of causal structure representations on decisions about diagnoses and treatment made by clinicians and lay people.

Causal Explanations and Stereotyping

As a natural extension of the above work, we are also examining the explanation-based categorization and reasoning processes underlying stereotyping and prejudice.