Religious systems show variation between groups, are transmitted and modified over generations, and differ in their ability to gain and retain members. In other words, religions exhibit the key characteristics of an evolutionary system.
We build large-scale cross-cultural databases and use models from evolutionary biology to test theories about the functions and effects of religious systems. Examples of our research includes studies on , , and
Our Research
Religion
Mentalising
Humans regularly reason about mental states such as beliefs, emotions, intentions, and desires. This capacity, known as mentalising or theory of mind, is foundational to human social learning, empathy, cooperation, and communication.
We use text and language analysis, as well as experiments to study the role that culture plays in mentalising. Examples of our projects include studies , , and ongoing research testing claims about opacity of mind in Pacific languages.
Colexification of emotion concepts across languages
Our People
Joseph Watts | Lab Director
Dr. Joseph Watts is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the ҕl. More information about Dr Watts is available on .
Esme Maillard | Masters Student
Esme is currently developing a new scales to test whether Credibility Enhancing Displays (CREDs) help explain the social transmission of conspiracy beliefs..
Tom Leslie | Honours Student
Tom is developing a Turning-inspired test of the theory of mind competencies of large language models, such as ChatGPT.
Navdeep Kaur | PhD Student (Otago)
Navdeep’s thesis focuses on testing whether historically available materials constrain the representation of religious imagery and structures, and how these constraints might influence religious belief and behaviour.
COURTNEY MATTHEWS | PhD Student
Courtneyis investigating the social processes of tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs), and how these group dynamics connect to and impact the lives of their players.
Contact Us
Psychology Building, Ilam Campus
Email:
