Hollie’s own research looks into traditional gender norms that have shaped men’s and women’s behaviours, and how these norms have changed over time. She also supervises Honours and Graduate Diploma students as they conduct their own research projects.
“A recent research project that I supervised studied dating applications,” Hollie says. “We explored dating apps as ‘the new norm’ when it comes to relationship-seeking to determine whether traditional values and gendered norms influence women’s experiences with dating apps.
“Another interesting research project that I supervised recently was a study conducted by my Honours student critiquing current climate change communication, which uses abstract, fear-based messages. The result of the research was a proposal that climate action communication might be more effective if it targets specific behaviours at the individual level and provides instructions and plans for action that the consumer can implement in their daily lives.”
What drives Hollie’s research, and what she works to share with students conducting their own research, is curiosity. Hollie says that her curiosity embraces every part of her life. “Curiosity means observing my environment and the world around me, and trying to understand why people are the way they are and do the things they do,” she says. “Then thinking about what this means for us as psychologists, teachers, students, friends, partners, parents, and so on!”
Psychology has given Hollie’s curiosity the perfect place to flourish and discover new things about the world and about herself. “Psychology is an introduction to understanding human behaviours, attitudes, relationships, mental health and illness, neurological structures and functions, and cognitive process,” Hollie says. “We look at models for explaining behaviour and promoting behaviour change. We look at health behaviours, environmental behaviours, group and organisation behaviours. And opportunities for self-analysis and growth come as we learn more about ourselves and our own experiences."
So, what can you learn in JCU Psychology? The answer depends on your interests. As Hollie says: “With such a broad scope, there is something for everyone!”