Throughout my career as a social psychologist, I have focused on the application of psychological phenomena to everyday life. Among my research projects, I have taken knowledge about attitude formation and change, and used those principles to persuade people to avoid behaviors that increase risks to their health and safety. I have studied the psychological consequences of having one's offer of help refused by another, and the implications of this outcome for future helping behavior. I have also examined factors that contribute to aggressive or non-aggressive responses to interpersonal conflict. Current projects include exploring the role of cognitive dissonance in weight-reduction programs, and whether perceptions of guilt or innocence are influenced by non-waiver of Miranda rights. My interests are many and varied, but all center on helping to understand -- and potentially remedy -- real-life problems. I also love to teach students about psychology, and believe that my research activity enhances my classroom instruction.