Don Saucier, Ph.D.

Research Interests

Dr. Saucier’s research interests reside in the investigation of attitude measurement and change, broadly defined. More specifically, Dr. Saucier pursues two lines of research. The first line of research focuses on the measurement and expression of prejudice. Specific projects have explored the efficacy of prejudice-reduction efforts, the use of indirect methods to assess individuals’ levels of racism, the role of social comparison processes in the expression of prejudice, attitudes toward race-relevant legislation such as hate crimes and penalty enhancements in the punishment of hate crimes, and issues of White guilt and privilege. The second line of research explores the individual differences that may contribute to attitude resistance. Projects have investigated the influence of individuals’ levels of social vigilantism (defined as the tendency to believe that one’s beliefs are superior to those of others and to attempt to impress these beliefs on others) on individuals’ self-defined moral codes, ideas for how the government should be structured, reactions to persuasive appeals, reactions to disagreement, and reactions to the presentation of others’ extreme opinions in moral, political, and social realms.

Student Involvement

Dr. Saucier regularly supervises several students in his research lab each semester. These students are involved in all phases of the research process, from designing projects and collecting data to data analysis to the presentation of results. Undergraduates, especially those who are involved in the lab for multiple semesters, and graduate students often present at regional (e.g., Midwestern Psychological Association) as well as national conferences (e.g., Society for Personality and Social Psychology). In addition, some students have the opportunity to assist with the submission of manuscripts, earning co-authorship in the process. Dr. Saucier interviews interested undergraduates for slots in his lab each semester, and can be contacted by email (saucier@ksu.edu) or phone (785-532-6881) by students interested in more information about opportunities in his lab.

Representative Publications (*indicates student undergraduate co-author)

Saucier, D.A., & Miller, C.T. (2001). The effects of helping on the racist attitudes of the helpers. Representative Research in Social Psychology, 25, 43-54.

Saucier, D.A. (2002). Self-reports of racist attitudes for oneself and for others. Psychologica Belgica, 42, 99-105.

Saucier, D.A., & Miller, C.T. (2003). The persuasiveness of racial arguments as a subtle measure of racism. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 29, 1303 - 1315.

Saucier, D.A., & *Cawman, A.J. (in press). Civil Unions in Vermont: Politcal attitudes, religious fundamentalism, and sexual prejudice. Journal of Homosexuality.

Saucier, D.A., Miller, C.T., & *Doucet, N. (in press). Differences in helping Whites and Blacks: A meta-analysis. Personality and Social Psychology Review.