Motivation and Cognition Laboratory

Principal Investigator Dr. Sean McCrea

Our lab conducts research on the interplay of motivational and cognitive processes in human behavior.

We examine the role of cognitive processes in self-regulation and achievement behavior. Examples include: construal; counterfactual thinking; planning; prospective memory; evaluative mindset.

Conversely, we are interested in the impact of motivational factors on decision making, learning, and performance. Examples include: academic preparation among stigmatized groups; defensive behavior in performance settings; intrinsic motivation and persistence; criticism and compassion.

Not accepting students for Fall 2026

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Lab members

Principal Investigator Dr. Sean McCrea

My current research interests broadly focus on the interplay of motivational and cognitive processes. Our laboratory is currently focusing on defensive behaviors in a variety of contexts, particularly self-handicapping behavior and responding to crticism. Other areas of research interest include phases of goal-pursuit, behavior change, and counterfactual thinking.

sean mccrea

Matthew Sherrin-Helm, M.S.

Research interests

Intergroup criticism

Gamification

Intrinsic interest

Mandy Alexandre, M.S.

Research interests

Academic achievement among members of vulnerable groups

Self-handicapping

Gabe Beratio, M.A., M.S.

Research interests

Counterfactual thinking

Recent Publications:

CJ Erion, AN Bitter, SM McCrea, K Bartsch (2025). Social Influence, 20 (1), 2495561

CJ Erion, SM McCrea (2025). New Ideas in Psychology, 78, 101161

SM McCrea, MR Helm, JL Th眉rmer, CJ Erion, A Bailey, K Krueger (2025). Health Communication, 40 (8), 1479-1488

J Braid, JL Th眉rmer, SM McCrea, F Richlan (2025). Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 102907

JL Th眉rmer, SM McCrea, H Beck (2025). Communications Psychology, 3 (1), 64

JL Th眉rmer, K Chen, SM McCrea (2024). Current Opinion in Psychology, 60, 101904

JL Th眉rmer, C Bamberg, SM McCrea, J Blechert (2024). Appetite, 200, 107528

SM McCrea, JL Th眉rmer, MR Helm, CJ Erion, K Krueger (2024). Health Communication, 39 (9), 1795-1806

AN Bitter, SM McCrea (2024). Journal of American College Health, 72 (6), 1876-1885

JL Th眉rmer, SM McCrea (2024). Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, 27 (2), 414-431

Grant Activity:

2022-present RAISE: IHBEM: Understanding and Predicting Behavioral Responses to Epidemic Risks and Control Policies: Implications for Epidemiological Models and Policy Design, Co-PI, NSF

2017-2020 A Kinder, Gentler Technology: Enhancing Human-Machine Symbiosis Using Adaptive, Personalized Affect-Aware Systems, PI Domen Novak (UW), NSF 1717705

2015 Treatment noncompliance as a form of self-handicapping behavior, University of Wyoming (PI)

2014 Overcoming collective defensiveness with implementation intentions, University of Konstanz (collaboration with PI Dr. Lukas Thuermer, University of Konstanz)

External Research Collaborators:

, Indiana University

, Paris Lodron University, Salzburg (Austria)

, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland)

Dr. Peter M. Gollwitzer, New York University; University of Konstanz (Germany)

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