
Professor Colin Davis
B.Sc (Hons), Ph.D (UNSW)
Current positions
Chair in Cognitive Psychology
School of Psychological Science
Contact
Press and media
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Research interests
My background is in cognitive psychology, employing both experimental methods and computational modelling, but I have also published in social psychology, theoretical psychology, political psychology, health psychology, applied psychology, literacy education and animal behaviour.
My current research focuses on the psychology surrounding climate change, and how to facilitate behavioural and social change. This work is often interdisplinary, involving collaboration with sociologists, political economists, geographers, anthropologists, film makers and activists.
Some questions in recent and ongoing research include:
- How should information about climate change be communicated?
- What interventions increase support for climate policies?
- How does protest affect observers? What is the impact of disruptive protest?
- What interventions facilitate behaviour changes such as going car free and switching to a vegan diet? How can such behavioural changes be maintained?
Projects and supervisions
Research projects
Policy & Protest
Principal Investigator
Description
This project explored the effects of the protest group Just Stop Oil through interviews, opinion polls and media content analysis.Managing organisational unit
School for Policy StudiesDates
01/01/2023 to 31/12/2023
Publications
Selected publications
02/10/2021Increasing Climate Efficacy is Not a Surefire Means to Promoting Climate Commitment
Thinking and Reasoning
Efficacy Information Influences Intention to take COVID-19 Vaccine
British Journal of Health Psychology
Assessing the Effectiveness of Structured Word Inquiry for Students in Grades 3 and 5 With Reading and Spelling Difficulties
Reading Research Quarterly
Recent publications
04/09/2024On Art and the Limits of Dissent
Protest
'So Help Me God'? Does Oath Swearing in Courtroom Scenarios Impact Trial Outcomes?
British Journal of Psychology
How effective are climate protests at swaying policy — and what could make a difference?
Nature
Assessing the Effectiveness of Structured Word Inquiry for Students in Grades 3 and 5 With Reading and Spelling Difficulties
Reading Research Quarterly
Does that sound right? A novel method of evaluating models of reading aloud
Behavior Research Methods