Michael D. Baker, PhD
Assistant Professor

Office: Rawl 112
Phone: 252-328-6059
Fax: 252-328-6283
E-mail: bakermich@ecu.edu
Twitter: @Psychology Baker

Mailing Address:

104 Rawl Building
Department of Psychology
East Carolina University
Greenville, 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., Nabell, M.E., Thomas, N., Hall, A., Sloan, H.N., Utter, R.L., & Fox, N. (under review following resubmission, Evolution and Human Behavior) Going the Distance, Going for Speed: Honest Signaling and the Benefits of Exercising with an Opposite-Sex Partner.

Baker, M.D., Utter, R.L., & Fox, N. (under revision following review, Evolutionary Psychology) Accelerate to Get a Mate: Exercise Performance is Moderated by Mating Motives During Exposure to Photographic Stimuli

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).