Thomas Harriot College of Arts & Sciences
Department of Psychology
Michael D. Baker, PhDAssistant ProfessorOffice: Rawl 112Phone: 252-328-6059Fax: 252-328-6283E-mail: bakermich@ecu.eduTwitter: @Psychology Baker
Mailing Address:
104 Rawl BuildingDepartment of PsychologyEast Carolina UniversityGreenville, NC 27858-4353
Education:
PhD, Social Psychology, Florida State University (2010)MS, Social Psychology, Florida State University (2007)BS, Psychology, Sam Houston State University (2002)
Research Interests:
Dr. Baker's research seeks to explore how fundamental social motives such as the desire to find a mate, maintain relationships, and avoid harm influence decision making, the basic cognitive processes of memory and attention, and health related behaviors. Previous research has examined the roles of social context and mating motivation in risk-taking behavior. Current lines of inquiry aim to discover the impact that exposure to mating cues has on health-related behaviors and outcomes, specifically focusing on exercise performance, nutritional decision-making, and smoking cessation.
Selected publications in peer refereed journals:
Vohs, K., Schmeichel, B., Baker, M. D., Walker, J. & White, R. (in preparation) Self-Regulatory Depletion Research Replication Collaboration.
Baker, M.D., Strickland, A., & Fox, N. (under review, Appetite) Choosing a Meal to Increase Your Appeal: Relationship Status, Dining Partner Gender, and Attractiveness Impact Nutritional Choices in Social Dining Scenarios.
Baker, M.D., & Maner, J.K. (2009). Male risk-taking as a context sensitive signaling device. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 45, 1136-1139.
Baker, M.D., & Maner, J.K. (2008). Risk-taking as a situationally sensitive male mating strategy. Evolution and Human Behavior, 29, 391-395.
Click here for full curriculum vitae (.pdf).