Gerard Janse van Rensburg

Understanding the nature of prejudice: A Multi-level Analysis of the Antecedents of Prejudice and Discrimination

Profile

Gerard has a passion for understanding human behaviour in a holistic manner. To do so requires studying the brain, cognition, the social world that surrounds and how all of this merges together to form the mind and behaviour. His PhD research focuses on building multi-level models of human behaviour which incorporates macro, meso, and micro level factors that shape human behaviour. As a South African, prejudice and racism are issues of special importance, and so his research will delve into uncovering the social and cognitive factors that support or predict racial prejudice and discrimination.

Qualifications

BSocSci - Psychology & Religious Studies
BA Hons - Applied Psychology
MA - Psychological Research

Research Interests

Cross-cultural cognition, value systems, religion, prejudice, attention and perception

PhD topic

Understanding the nature of prejudice: A Multi-level Analysis of the Antecedents of Prejudice and Discrimination.

Supervisor:

Labs

Centre for Applied Cross-cultural Research (CACR)

- Directed by A/Prof Taciano Milfont and Prof Ron Fischer

The Centre for Applied Cross-cultural Research addresses challenging global psychological and social issues through sound cross-cultural theory and research.

Mind, Body, Cultural Evolution Lab

- Directed by Prof Ron Fischer

We examine the interplay between the human mind, behaviours and culture, using evolutionary theories and multi-disciplinary methods to understand values, rituals, norms, and health.