BIOGRAPHY
Nathaniel completed his BSc in psychology at the University of Oregon in 2008. Continuing at the University of Oregon, Nathaniel completed his MSc in Psychology under the supervisor of Dr. Edward Vogal, focusing on the cognitive neuroscience of selective visual attention. In 2010 Nathaniel became a research fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods. Under the supervision of Dr. Andreas Glockner and Dr. Tilmann Betsch, Nathaniel subsequently earned his PhD in 2012, with his thesis focusing on the role of attention and memory in valuation judgements and choice behaviour. Nathaniel is currently a Senior Research Officer at the University of Essex working with Dr. Tim Rakow and holds visiting researcher positions at Decision Research and the Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods.
RESEARCH OVERVIEW
Nathaniel’s research interests rest primarily in the field of Judgment and Decision Making. He has conducted experimental research across a range of topics within this field, from investigations of consumer product choice to affective processes involved in charitable giving, to the role of unconscious thought processes in decisions. The common theme underlying these diverse lines of research has been his interest in the role played by lower level cognitive processes such as visual attention, executive functioning, and working memory capacity within decision-making processes. Building upon his diverse background, Nathaniel is currently conducting several studies using eye tracking and EEG/ERP methodologies in order to develop process models of both valuation and choice. In addition, his current work with Dr. Tim Rakow focuses on the role of experience and learning in decision making across a variety of choice contexts (e.g., investment decisions and product choice).
PRINCIPAL SUPERVISOR Tim Rakow
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Ashby, N. J. S., Glöckner, A., & Dickert, S. (2011). Conscious and unconscious thought in risky choice: Testing the capacity principle and the appropriate weighting principles of Unconscious Thought Theory. Frontiers in Psychology, 2:261.
Ashby, N. J. S., Dickert, S., & Glöckner, A. (2012). Focusing on what you own: Biased information uptake due to ownership. Judgment and Decision Making, 7(3), pp. 254-267.
