Richard Nisbett

My research interests focus on culture and reasoning. I study basic cognitive processes, especially induction, statistical reasoning, causal attribution, cost-benefit analysis and logical vs. dialectical approaches to problem-solving. I have studied the degree to which cognitive processes can be trained and the differences in East Asian and Western reasoning styles. I have also studied awareness of cognitive processes and lay personality theory. I also conducted research on the "culture of honor" in the U.S. South and West which I believe accounts for the higher levels of violence in the South.