Eric Turkheimer

Eric Turkheimer is the Hugh Scott Hamilton Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia, affiliated with the Department of Psychology in the College of Arts & Sciences. His work bridges empirical research, quantitative methods, and philosophical inquiry in psychology.

• Institution: University of Virginia
• School: College of Arts & Sciences
• Department: Department of Psychology
• Academic Rank: Professor
• Email: ent3c@virginia.edu
• Twitter: @ent3c

His research centers on the genetics of complex behavior, especially how genes and environments interact to shape intelligence, personality, and family dynamics. He is particularly interested in sibling differences, parenting, marriage, and divorce, and he develops innovative methods for assessing personality while controlling for self-esteem bias. His philosophical work examines the implications of behavior genetics for human agency and free will.

The most recent articles reflect a sustained focus on polygenic scores, heritability, gene-environment interactions (e.g., the Scarr-Rowe effect), and the philosophical foundations of behavioral genetics. His publications span topics from technical statistical methods to broader social and ethical implications, indicating a deeply interdisciplinary approach that integrates psychology, genetics, and social science.

While no specific awards are listed in the provided texts, his leadership of a research lab, editorial contributions, and public scholarship through his blog Gloomy Prospect and online presence underscore his influence in the field.

He actively mentors graduate students, seeking those with strong quantitative and writing skills interested in genetics, intelligence, personality, and philosophy of science. He teaches courses on the Nature-Nurture debate and Experimental Psychopathology. His lab, the Turkheimer Lab, conducts empirical and theoretical research on behavior development.