Steven Fein: The Art and Science of Social Psychology

Steven Fein, a professor of psychology at Williams College, recently sat down with Garth Neufeld of PsychSessions to discuss his career, research, and teaching. He highlights his 32-year tenure at the elite liberal arts college, noting its small class sizes and focus on undergraduate education. Steve also discusses his work with co-authors Saul Kassin and Hazel Rose Markus on the widely-used textbook, "Social Psychology," now in its 12th edition. His research has focused on stereotyping, prejudice, and social norms, with notable studies examining the influence of audience reactions on presidential debates. In one study, he found that audience applause can significantly alter viewers' perceptions of a candidate's performance. He reflects on his educational and career paths, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and making psychology relevant for students.