Paul H. White

Paul H. White is an Associate Professor of Social Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Utah, where his research centers on the three 'P's': persuasion, prejudice, and performance, investigating motivational drivers of human behavior.

His educational background:

• B.A., Berea College (1989)
• Ph.D., Northeastern University (1993)
• Post-doctoral training, Ohio State University (1993-1995)

Dr. White's persuasion research examines how source/target characteristics (race, gender, sexual orientation) impact message processing and attitude change, including 'stealing thunder' dynamics. His prejudice work investigates subtle bias through intergroup models incorporating stigmatized groups' perspectives, while his performance studies explore evaluation effects, social underachievement ('letting up'), and stereotype threat mitigation.

Analysis of his publications reveals sustained focus on stereotype threat, intergroup relations, and environmental behavior across cross-cultural contexts, with consistent application of social psychological theory to real-world problems in education and sustainability.

Dr. White currently mentors three graduate students:

• Logan Call (admitted 2020)
• Emma Franklin (2022)
• Brittany Clark (2022)

He directs the Persuasion, Prejudice, and Performance (PPP) Lab, which serves as the primary research environment for experimental and applied investigations into his three core research areas.