I am currently investigating ways to diffuse prejudice and sexism,  and unpacking the factors that can increase learning.  In my Applied Social Cognition (ASC) Lab we ASC the tough questions. If you are interested in working in my lab, click on this link to complete the application: ASC Gurung Lab App

I will accept graduate students starting 2020.

I have two main areas of interest:

Prejudice, Sexism, Impression Formation, and Clothing
Perceptions of people are very dependant on what it is they are wearing and job status, sociability, income, health and fitness can be perceived from clothing.  People use categories when describing others and learn what types of clothing are associated with categories or labels.  Different types of clothing send different messages. For example, men perceived women in revealing clothing as having a higher level of sexual intent, and as being more flirtatious, seductive, and promiscuous.  African American men in sweatpants are viewed more negatively than when dressed formally. A model dressed in ‘sexy clothing’ is viewed as more attractive and sexually appealing, but less intelligent and competent.  Can we reduce prejudice by changing what people wear?

Pedagogical Psychology
My research program is designed to answer the simple question: How can we optimize student learning?  The first step towards answering this question involves gaining a thorough knowledge of extant attempts to understand how students learn.  Any examination of how students learn necessitates a focus on three major components: Student behaviors (e.g., study techniques), Instructor behaviors (how is learning facilitated?), and the means content is transferred (textbooks and technology).  Studies in progress address each of these areas.  I am particularly interested in learning in large classes. I coordinate the General Psychology Program at OSU and direct the Hub for Intro Psych and Pedagogical Research which serves to coordinate research on teaching across the nation.

Other Interests?
I have to admit I love asking tough questions: How do we help people get on track with health behaviors?  What is the role of stress in well-being?  I can be tempted into designing a study on timely topics that catch my interests. I am preparing to study student-athlete mental-health here at Oregon State University.

See my CV for publications and presentations on the topics above.