Michael T Parker

Dr. Michael T Parker serves as Professor and Department Chair of Psychology within Viterbo University's School of Social Sciences. Holding advanced degrees from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, he maintains active teaching responsibilities across core psychology curriculum while leading departmental operations from his office in MRC 540.

His educational background includes:

• PhD, University of Massachusetts Amherst
• MS, University of Massachusetts Amherst
• BS, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Dr. Parker's research program centers on the psychology of conspiracy theories, investigating why individuals embrace conspiratorial beliefs through lenses of trust, locus of control, and political authoritarianism. His work reveals how motivational factors drive conspiratorial thinking across the political spectrum, with recent studies examining pandemic-related anxieties and moral foundations of political distrust. This research bridges social psychology and political science to address contemporary societal divisions.

Analysis of his publication record shows consistent focus on social cognition and identity processes, with increasing emphasis on real-world applications during periods of societal stress. His collaborative approach frequently involves undergraduate researchers in data collection and analysis.

His scientific recognition includes:

• 2025 Outstanding Advisor of the Year (Viterbo University)
• 2019 Alec Chiu Memorial Award for student research engagement
• 2014 Morton Deutsch Award for best paper in Social Justice Research
• Multiple competitive grants from SPSP, Psi Chi, and the D.B. Reinhart Institute

As an advisor, Dr. Parker maintains an open-door policy for research involvement, currently mentoring students through projects like the Psi Chi-funded study on perfectionism with Allison Dunne. His grant portfolio demonstrates success in securing external funding for projects exploring basic psychological needs and political identity moralization. Departmental leadership responsibilities complement his active research agenda within Viterbo's Psychology Department.

While specific laboratory facilities aren't detailed, his research methodology appears centered on survey-based approaches with student collaborators, fostering hands-on learning within undergraduate psychology education.