Assistant Professor
Ph.D. University of Arizona, 2016

Contact Information:
Email:  Peter.Leavitt@indstate.edu
Office:  Root Hall, B-213
Phone:  (812) 237-3263

Classes Taught:

• Psychology 100:  Psychology of Human Sexuality Research
• Psychology 100W:  Psychology of Human Sexuality Work Group
• Psychology 270:  Social Psychology
• Psychology 321:  Diversity & Ethics
• Psychology 376:  Psychological Research and Writing

Research Interests

1. Culture and Diversity

• How do the places and circumstances of our upbringing shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us?

2. Social Identity

• What social identities are most important to us and why?
• How do these identities influence the way we interact with tohers?
• When do our social identities help us?
• When are they an obstacle to problem-solving and cooperation?

3. The Psycology of Social Class

• What do people think social class is?
• Why does it matter?
• Do people have strong social class identity?

4. Media Representation and Media Effects

• How are social groups portrayed in popular media and what are the psychological reasons for and effects of such portrayals?

5. Intergroup Contact and Communication

• How do people with different backgrounds, identities, and worldviews communicate with each other?
• How does communication bread down when group differences are significant and emotionally charged?
• What can we do about it?

Dr. Leavitt is always interested in hearing from students who are interested in research experience and hearing from anyone with shared interests!