The aim of the Lab
The Behaviour in Crisis Lab is devoted to the interdisciplinary exploration of the mechanisms that shape the behaviour of individuals and societies during global crises.
Why this Lab now?
Social crises, emergencies, and disasters are inherent aspects of human existence, often leading to profound changes in the lives of individuals and societies. They challenge established power structures, norms of conduct, and even the existence of specific individuals or groups, resulting in significant suffering. These events also expose weaknesses in social and political systems, leading to social tensions and conflicts. However, they can also present opportunities for positive transformation. By gaining a better understanding of the nature of crises, their trajectories, and the behavior of individuals and groups in such challenging situations, we can enhance our preparedness for future crises and emerge stronger from current ones.
Research Vision:
We adopt an innovative interdisciplinary approach to explore the mechanisms underlying behaviors in crisis situations. Our methodology combines a large-scale analysis of a transnational three-wave panel survey, laboratory experiments, computational modeling, and cultural analysis. Additionally, we propose testing a semi-intervention with the potential to reduce social fragmentation. This comprehensive methodology integrates powerful research tools from relevant disciplines, enabling a deeper understanding of intra-individual, relational, and normative factors with significant societal implications.
The research conducted in the Lab centers on several key themes:
1. Refugee Crisis: Examining helping behaviors towards war refugees, solidarity with war refugees, and the situation of refugees.
2. Youth in Crises: Investigating the impact of crises on youth, including their health, political participation, and vulnerability to radicalization.
3. Social Welfare Institutions: Analyzing the role and effectiveness of social welfare institutions in times of crisis.
4. Social and Political Crises: Exploring the disintegration of democratic institutions, political beliefs, political polarization, and the influence of digitalization in crisis contexts, radicalization and extremism.
How we work:
The Lab functions as a collaborative platform for ongoing projects, promoting peer support, and facilitating the initiation of new initiatives. Our focus is on integrating the efforts of individual groups and researchers, fostering synergistic effects that are challenging or unattainable without coordinated collaboration. Building upon the existing findings, expertise, and partnerships of the CSCS/INCET/CEAPP/CBR consortium, we expand our scope to address new research questions and employ innovative methods. Furthermore, the Lab benefits from collaborations with esteemed scientists worldwide, providing valuable mentoring and support to enrich our research endeavors.
The Lab is committed to advancing our understanding of behaviors in crisis situations and contributing to practical solutions for societal challenges.
The Code of Conduct:
As a Laboratory, our activities are guided by the guidelines of recognized scientific organizations, such as: