Research

We study how people evaluate and improve performance, seek and use advice, and decide when to help others, among other topics. For a full list of papers, see Publications.

Figure representing performance evaluation research
Adapted from Levari et al. (2018), Science.

Performance Evaluation

How do we judge the performance, skill, and abilities of other people — and of ourselves? How do we decide whether problems in our environment are getting better or worse?

Sample paper Levari, D.E., Gilbert, D.T., Wilson, T.D., Sievers, B., Amodio, D.M., & Wheatley, T. (2018). Prevalence-induced concept change in human judgment. Science, 360(6396), 1465–1467.
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Figure representing advice and learning research
Adapted from Levari, Gilbert & Wilson (2022), Psychological Science.

Advice and Learning

How do we know whom to trust and ask for advice — and when do we actually use that advice? When do we listen to experts, and how do features of the topic, message, and communication channel influence this kind of learning?

Sample paper Levari, D.E., Gilbert, D.T., & Wilson, T.D. (2022). Tips from the top: Do the best performers really give the best advice? Psychological Science, 33(5), 685–698.
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Figure representing helping behavior research
Adapted from Levari & Norton (2026), Journal of Experimental Social Psychology.

Helping Behavior

How — and how well — do we decide when to step in and help others, whether that means improving their performance, assisting them in completing a task or solving a problem, or providing other forms of aid?

Sample paper Levari, D.E., & Norton, M.I. (2026). Collective streaks motivate prosocial behavior. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 126, 104941.
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