What do you work on?
I work in psyÂchopaÂthy, explorÂing the relaÂtionÂships between psyÂchoÂpathÂic traits and offendÂing behavÂiours and develÂopÂing implicÂit tools to index a range of perÂsonÂalÂiÂty traits assoÂciÂatÂed with psychopathy.
What did you do using Gorilla and what did you find?
We used Gorilla to collect a comÂmuÂniÂty sample (N = 404) of aggresÂsion and psyÂchopaÂthy quesÂtionÂnaire responsÂes. We analysed the relaÂtionÂships between difÂferÂent types of aggresÂsion and traits in psyÂchopaÂthy for 3‑factor and 7‑factor psyÂchopaÂthy models. Our research found that using the 7‑factor conÂcepÂtuÂalÂiÂsaÂtion of the disÂorÂder gives a more refined view on the relaÂtionÂship between parÂticÂuÂlar psyÂchoÂpathÂic traits and difÂferÂent forms of aggresÂsion than when comÂpared to the 3‑factor model of psychopathy.
Has this study been published?
Yes! You can find it here.
For you, what is the stand-out feature in Gorilla?
I am not sure where to start! The softÂware makes colÂlabÂoÂraÂtion so easy to do while allowÂing control at an indiÂvidÂual level. It is an intuÂitive user interÂface that enables it to be swiftly masÂtered for quesÂtionÂnaire studies through to complex experÂiÂmenÂtal designs. Outside of the softÂware itself, Gorilla has one of the most responÂsive support teams I have ever encounÂtered in both my prior proÂfesÂsionÂal career and, more recentÂly, in academia.
How do you think online research is going to change your field?
Online research facilÂiÂtates a shift away from the student-based samples, common in psyÂcholÂoÂgy, to comÂmuÂniÂty popÂuÂlaÂtions. It makes accessÂing such samples easier to achieve, and the research findÂings are more widely applicÂaÂble.
Did you include any special feaÂtures in your study to ensure good quality data?
I have includÂed attenÂtion checks, captcha and anti-bot tasks in efforts to ensure good quality data.
How did Gorilla make your life or research better, easier or faster?
Through 2020, we needed to shift experÂiÂments and data colÂlecÂtion to online quickly. Gorilla was a perfect choice for us as it was so easy to pick up and use within the same day.
On a perÂsonÂal level, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my young son, who brings a smile to my face every day and gives me the motiÂvaÂtion to do my best.
Who or what origÂiÂnalÂly inspired you to work in your field of research?
For as long as I can rememÂber, I have been interÂestÂed in dark perÂsonÂalÂiÂty traits. Reading Robert Hare’s influÂenÂtial work in psyÂchopaÂthy spurred me to study it in more depth and underÂtake research in this area which may aid recidiÂvism risk assessÂments with those who have this perÂsonÂalÂiÂty disorder.
What is the biggest advanÂtage of online research methods?
The biggest advanÂtage of online research methods is the ease of quickly colÂlectÂing large samples of data.
What advice would you give to someone startÂing out in behavÂiourÂal science/research?
I would advise anyone startÂing out in behavÂiourÂal science/research to choose a research area they are really enthused about. Having a passion for your subject area is central to keeping motiÂvatÂed and doing the best work you can.
When you’re not working what do you enjoy doing?
When I am not working, I love spendÂing time outÂdoors in the stunÂning Welsh counÂtryÂside with my family.