Oyamot, Clifton M

Biography

Dr. Clifton Oyamot earned his Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 2004. He spent a year as a visiting assistant professor at Carleton College prior to joining the faculty at San José State University. He is currently a Professor in the Psychology Department, and coordinator of the MA in Research and Experimental Psychology program. Dr. Oyamot's research integrates personality and social psychological perspectives in three main lines of inquiry: Intergroup Relations. Currently testing and extending a model that incorporates personality (Right-Wing Authoritarianism), social norms, and values (egalitarianism) in predicting under what circumstances prejudice towards various groups (e.g., immigrants, gays and lesbians, African Americans) will be exacerbated or attenuated. "Psychology of Clutter" and Implicit Self-Concept. Exploring the implicit link between the self-concept and peoples' personal possessions, and the implications of this link for understanding phenomena such as materialism, clutter, as well the general processes by which characteristics (e.g., roles, identities, possessions) become a part of our sense of self. Interpersonal Relationships. Investigating how personality characteristics (e.g., self-monitoring, the need for status and influence) impact closeness, satisfaction and other outcomes in interpersonal relationships.

Research Interest

Social Psychology