My overall research objective is to develop analytical tools and uncover specific processes that underlie psychological mechanisms. In carrying out this objective, I take a multi-method, interdisciplinary approach.

On the theory side, this involves combining social psychological theory, with its emphasis on individual differences and interactions, and evolutionary psychological theory, with its focus on adaptive functioning and link to a wide variety of findings in areas such as ethology, anthropology, and biology. In addition, economic theory, with its emphasis on marginal cost/benefit analysis, is especially useful when viewing adaptive tradeoffs.

In examining human social behavior, I favor not only the use of effective experimental methods that social psychologists have devised, but also the incorporation of analytical tools from other disciplines. Thus far, I have utilized tools (and theory) from economics and dynamical systems theory.

For instance, using methods from microeconomics, my colleagues and I were able to address a paradox in the mate choice literature: although social and evolutionary psychologists have pointed out why physical attractiveness should be important to men and status should be important to women, these characteristics have never shown up at the top of the lists when people have considered their ideal mates. By applying a budget allocation process and a mate screening paradigm, we were able to effectively distinguish between characteristics in a potential mate that are “necessities” and those that are “luxuries.” Our studies revealed that when considering long-term mates, men tend to prioritize finding a sufficient level of physical attractiveness, and women tend to prioritize obtaining sufficient social status. In other words, when looking for mates, most people ideally would like to have well-rounded mates who are attractive, intelligent, creative, financially well-off, etc. However, when choices are highly constrained, men tend to treat physical attractiveness as a necessity whereas women treat attractiveness as a luxury, and social status as a necessity (Li, Bailey, Kenrick, & Linsenmeier, 2002; Li & Kenrick, 2006).

Dynamical systems theory, or complexity theory, provides a wealth of tools that can be fruitfully applied to the study of human behavior, including how individuals and culture mutually influence and constrain one another. By applying dynamic models and simulations, it is possible to go beyond conventional experimental methods, which are limited in their ability to study individual-culture interactions. For example, my colleagues and I showed how dynamical systems theory can be incorporated along with social and evolutionary psychological theories to connect adaptive decisions at the individual level to culture-wide patterns (Kenrick, Li, & Butner, 2003). Specifically, I developed a model of aggressive behavior as well as a more complex model of mating strategy. Simulated individuals in our networks were programmed to possess rules for decision making based on the results of our survey data as well as previous research. They were then allowed to have repeated interactions with other individuals. Over time, our networks revealed an emergence of main cultures, along with smaller subcultures, reflecting patterns found in the real world.

It’s a tough modern world out there. So much depression, anxiety, eating disorders, etc. In addition to uncovering psychological decision-making processes, my research will examine how modern cultural inputs interact with these otherwise adaptive processes to affect mental health.

Much of my research looks at mating. Considerations of mating permeate the affect, cognitions, and behaviors of people in all cultures; thus, it is generally a good area to study. Nevertheless, a very important aspect of my research is that the tools that are developed in my lab can be applied rewardingly to investigate other domains of social life. If you work in mating or in any other area, chances are that these methods can be used in your lab. Similarly, your methods may be applicable in mine. I welcome new collaborators to contact me.