Cheryl Kaiser

Research

Cheryl Kaiser’s research explores psychological aspects of prejudice, stereotypes, group identities, and diversity, and the intersection of these topics with law, politics, and policy. Current projects explore how well-intentioned organizational diversity initiatives create unintended consequences, including the perpetuation of discrimination, minority stress, reactance among majority groups, and the miscarriage of civil rights laws. She also explores how prototypes of women obscure perceptions of sexual harassment, to the detriment of victims of harassment, organizations, and civil rights laws. She is also exploring how to reduce political polarization to increase the civic health of society. Cheryl’s research been supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Science Foundation, the Russell Sage Foundation, and the John Templeton Foundation.

You can learn more about our current research interests here: https://uwsilab.wixsite.com/home/publications




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Dear prospective graduate students,

I am honored that you are interested in joining our department and lab. I refrain from having email conversations, calls, and in-person meetings with prospective students prior to reviewing and evaluating all applications. I do this to avoid giving an unfair advantage to those who receive advice to reach out, or those who have connections to close colleagues, access to professional meetings, and other advantages. Additionally, this protects my time so I can focus my energy on current students and my job.

After the social/personality group discusses graduate applicants, I reach out and have thoughtful, structured interviews with students on the short list (applicants receive the interview questions prior to the conversation). I use those conversations to identify finalists for full interviews. There is plenty of time for deep conversations about fit and related concerns during the interviews.