Lacey Hilliard

My research is focused on how children understand and navigate social issues, taking an applied developmental and social justice-centered approach. One aspect of this work involves the social, cognitive, and developmental processes related to social group membership (with a focus on gender) and intergroup attitudes. Current studies in this area include discovering how (or whether) adults address sexism and other cultural topics with children. In recent work, I have also created and evaluated educational media and technology-based interventions designed to help children and adolescents navigate social challenges and ethical dilemmas in schools. I use a variety of research methods, such as dyadic and group observations, longitudinal surveys, interviews, and focus groups, and work closely in collaboration with organizations, schools, families, and other community partners.