SoCog

Social Cognition: SoCog

Team leader: Leila Selimbegovic, Professor at the University of Poitiers.

The research conducted by the SoCog team aims to better understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact with the social context. The social dimension in the study of cognition is considered in two ways. The first approach consists in examining how the social world influences psychological processes. The second approach, complementary to the first, consists in investigating how psychological processes influence social interactions. Hence, the work conducted in this twofold framework contributes to the study of human cognition through the articulation of both its individual and its collective aspects. The general objective of the team is to reveal human cognition as being essentially interpersonal, intersubjective, reflexive (capable of self-reflection), and contextualized. Our work underlines the idea that human behavior is a result of an interaction between the cognitive, motivational, and emotional systems, always operating in a specific social context. On the basis of the results issued from fundamental research, we strive to develop and test interventions aimed at attitudinal and behavioral change, in order to foster individual and collective well-being, performance, and social integration.

Research axis 1. The social self (coordinator : Leila Selimbegovic)

This axis is dedicated to achieving a better understanding of the specificities of information processing when the information is self-related, as well as of the ways in which the self is impacted by interpersonal and identity dynamics. This work is conducted with regards to the fundamental needs of the self (maintenance of a clear and a positive identity, development and maintenance of social relations, self-expansion). In particular, we examine the processes that are implemented to achieve these aims and the reactions that result from failure to achieve them.

Research axis 2. Social perception, judgement, and decision-making (coordinator: Stéphane Jouffre)

The second research axis studies the emergence of thoughts, beliefs, judgments and decisions from an interaction between the individual and the situation. Thus, we aim to understand how cognition and behavior are rooted in threats and opportunities of a given social context. Special attention is given to the impact of social roles, status and other parameters of social integration on psychological functioning. This research is articulated around major social challenges and domains of application, such as health, education, and work.

Research axis 3. Behavior change and social innovation (coordinator: Frédérique Autin)

Modern societies are facing major challenges related to health, climate change or social justice. To address these challenges, behavioral sciences can provide knowledge and tools to inform and support policy-makers, actors of the socio-economic world, and citizens. To foster a theory-driven and evidence-based approach of policies and interventions, this research axis aims to expand our understanding of what drives individual and collective behaviors and assess the acceptability and efficacy of behavioral change interventions.