Research — Cody Richter, PhD

Research

Studying how social perception shapes what people intend to do and what they end up actually doing.

Social Psychology Deviance Identity Theory Organizations Stratification Classical & Contemporary Theory Theory Construction Experimental Methods Survey Design Mixed Methods Longitudinal Data Vignette Studies

Overview

Research Statement

My research investigates how social perceptions and judgments shape what people intend to do and what they end up actually doing. I examine that relationship across a range of empirical cases, from professional conduct in real estate to adolescent deviance, using laboratory and survey experiments, differential scales, vignettes, and longitudinal datasets.

In the following, I discuss my prior and current research areas, including manuscripts currently under review and in progress.

Prior Work

Completed Projects

M.S. Thesis · 2022

Altercasting, Institutional Knowledge, and Gender Stereotypes: Strategies Employed in the Realtor-Client Relationship

An experimental vignette study investigating how Realtors' perceptions of their clients shape intended altercasting strategy. Findings indicated differing strategies depending on client status and gender.

Ph.D. Dissertation · 2025

I Am Who I Think You Are: (Non)Verification, Social Inference, and Deviance

Examined how students' perceptions of themselves, peers, and "most kids" affected subsequent engagement in violence, property destruction, and drug use when contrasted against labels from institutional authorities.

Current Work

Manuscripts in Progress

Under Review

Social Inference, School Propriety, and Drug Use: Exploring Perceptual Factors Related to Adolescent Drug Use

The first of three articles drawn from the dissertation, examining perceptual factors related to adolescent drug use over time.

In Progress

Integrating Identity Theories within Theories of Deviance

A theoretical integration piece connecting identity theory frameworks to existing sociological theories of deviance and delinquency.