Justin L. Matthews

Justin L. Matthews is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at California State University, Monterey Bay. His work emphasizes the intersection of cognitive, social, and applied psychology, with affiliations reflecting a focus on both theoretical and real-world applications of psychological principles.

Research Interests: Matthews investigates diverse topics including forensic psychology, spatial and social cognition, virtual reality applications in heritage preservation, physical activity measurement, and gender bias in media. His interdisciplinary approach bridges psychology with education, digital humanities, sports science, and health behavior.

Publication Trends: Recent work (2011–2023) shows a progression from foundational studies in spatial reasoning and social perception to applied research in forensic assessment, educational outcomes, and digital heritage. Early publications focused on cognitive mechanisms of perspective-taking and social distance, while later articles demonstrate increased emphasis on measurement tools (e.g., activity self-worth inventories) and real-world settings (e.g., forensic inpatient evaluation). Consistent themes include embodied cognition, linguistic framing, and methodological innovation using Rasch analysis and VR technology.