Principal Investigator

Dr. Codie Place leads a dynamic research team at Cal Poly SLO, comprised of dedicated students who are actively engaged in exploring innovative approaches to enhance communication within law enforcement. Their current project focuses on "Exploring Linguistic Training to Reduce Reactance in Law Enforcement," where they investigate how tailored linguistic strategies can minimize defensive reactions and improve interactions between officers and the community. The team is committed to developing evidence-based training programs that foster positive communication, aiming to contribute to more effective and empathetic policing practices.

Undergraduate Researcher

My name is Katie Wong and I am a third year Psychology major. After my undergraduate studies, I plan to pursue a PhD in Neuropsychology, where I will get the chance to work in a clinical setting. This particular research with Dr. Codie Place aligns well with my own passion for understanding how a subtle shift in communication could make a profound impact on society. By recognizing that law enforcement officers may unintentionally provoke resistance through their language, the study opens the door to more effective communication strategies that can improve outcomes in critical situations.

Undergraduate Researcher

My name is Amber Hicks, and I’m a fourth-year psychology major with a minor in studio art. After graduation, I plan to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology, focusing on research and clinical practice. I am particularly excited about my work with Dr. Place on the impact of language in our interactions. This research is inspiring because it highlights the potential for positive change in our systems and in the way we treat one another.

My name is Matthew Lin and I am a third year Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies major concentrating in Psychology and Computer Science. In the future, I plan on pursuing a master's degree in Organizational Psychology, focusing on cultivating and empowering community-based leadership. The research Dr. Place is working on has the potential to bring effective change to our communities by exploring the words we use and their influence on how others perceive our intentions. I am excited to help be a part of this research on language and communication and the resulting opportunities for making our world a better place.