[CS] March 14: CS Wednesday Noon Talk, "Fear, politics, and leader selection: How our emotional state may influence what we look for in a president, " by Tom Cain, in the ASH Lobby

[Paula Harmon]

"Fear, politics, and leader selection: How our emotional state may 
influence what we look for in a president"

Abstract: Fear and anger are very similar emotions, yet they elicit 
contrasting perceptions of risk. In general, fear leads to an increase 
in risk perception, while anger leads to a decrease in risk perception. 
This will be a discussion of whether we may seek to regain feelings of 
certainty and control, when afraid, by seeking out an angry or 
aggressive leader. Will fearful people seek out an angry leader as a 
perceived (though not necessarily consciously) way to reduce fear? Will 
a fear related political campaign lead people to find an 
angry/aggressive presidential candidate more appealing? Scientific and 
anecdotal evidence will be discussed.

Biographical statement: Tom Cain, visiting assistant professor of 
psychology, received a Ph.D. in social psychology from Rutgers 
University and a B.A. in psychology from DePaul University. He is 
teaching CS-145 "Social Psychology of Stereotyping" this term. Tom is 
currently interested in examining the ways in which fear may bias a 
person's perceptions, judgments, and behavior. He is particularly 
interested in how these biases may impact person perception. 
Additionally, Tom has conducted research on, or has been generally 
interested in, the psychological processes involved in political 
affiliation, intergroup relations, and the willingness to commit genocide.

In the ASH Lobby
A light lunch will be available at noon
-- 
Paula Harmon, Administrative Assistant
School of Cognitive Science
Hampshire College
893 West Street Amherst, MA 01002
phone: 413.559.5502
fax: 413.559.5438
http://cs.hampshire.edu
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