Alejandro Garcia Wins Second Place at the 2025 GSC Research & Creative Achievement Symposium
Lay Beliefs and Culture lab
Welcome to the LBC lab at the University of Mississippi. We study how lay beliefs about the self, culture, and society shape authenticity, belonging, and inequality.
Who we are
Our lab is led by Dr. Rivera and includes graduate students in the Experimental Psychology PhD Program, along with dedicated undergraduate research assistants.
Research
What we do
Our lab studies how lay beliefs—people’s everyday theories about the self and the social world—shape well-being, relationships, and social perception. We examine topics such as authenticity, belonging, meritocracy, and inequality, asking how cultural narratives and social identities influence psychological outcomes and social interactions.
Join the Lab
Dr. Rivera plans to review graduate applications to begin in Fall 2026. Learn more about our PhD program and how to apply.
Curious about research in social psychology? Undergraduates at the University of Mississippi can join our team for course credit or as volunteers. To learn more, email lbclab.olemiss@gmail.com
