Evolution Lab
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Dr Khandis Blake03 9035 5733
Research Overview
Visit the Evolution Lab website
Using a unique blend of behavioural science, evolutionary biology, and gender studies, our aim is to understand gender relations and female empowerment, and to reduce sexual conflict. The combined application of nature and nurture provides a useful guide to understanding how insights from psychology and biology can be used to promote gender equality.
Research from the Evolution Lab addresses big issues that profoundly influence people’s mental, social and economic wellbeing. To investigate these outcomes, we use a variety of methods in the lab:
- Experimental Psychology, including aggression paradigms, facial recognition tests, agency measures, measures of inter- and intrasexual competitiveness, and other behavioural outcomes.
- Hormonal Testing Procedures, including estradiol and progesterone assays, Luteinising-Hormone (LH) measurements and fertility assessments.
- Big Data, such as the analysis of Instagram images, Facebook posts and Twitter data (including the development of Twitplat, a project collecting over 6 million Twitter posts worldwide).
Research Opportunities
This research project is available to PhD students to join as part of their thesis.
Please contact the Research Group Leader to discuss your options.
Research Projects
- The Psychology of Beauty and Sexualization
- Twitplat and Locatarithm
- The Mating Market and Human Competition
- Intimate Partner Violence
Faculty Research Themes
School Research Themes
Cognitive Psychology and Behavioural Neuroscience, Social and Personality Psychology
Key Contact
For further information about this research, please contact Director Dr Khandis Blake
Department / Centre
Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences
Unit / Centre
MDHS Research library
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