Values
The Society for Psychophysiological Research (SPR) recognizes that science is enhanced by the involvement of a wide range of individuals who bring their unique perspectives and life experiences to the pursuit of scientific knowledge. As such, SPR is committed to pursuing inclusivity in all aspects of its functioning, including its membership, leadership, attendees at the annual meeting, and the authorship represented in Psychophysiology. Every individual should feel welcome within the SPR community, including people of any race, national origin, native language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, economic status, educational background, disability, or age.
SPR further recognizes the importance of diversity in the pursuit of scientific knowledge about the physiological bases of psychological processes. Researchers are encouraged to:
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- Increase the representation of diverse participants in psychophysiological studies.
- Report sufficiently detailed demographic descriptions of sample participants when feasible.
- Examine whether and how demographic diversity (e.g., sex, race, socioeconomic status, and age) moderates associations between physiological indices and psychological processes.
- Use respectful and inclusive language in reporting research related to group differences.
Provide Anonymous Feedback
We welcome and encourage your feedback, suggestions, and concerns about any efforts the Society is making toward enhancing inclusivity. Submit your comment through this portal, supported by Incogneato. All submissions are anonymous (unless you elect to include your name) but still allow for responses from the leadership.
Access the Anonymous Feedback Portal
Committee Initiatives
SPR has a Diversity and Outreach Committee dedicated to expanding the representation of SPR membership, enhancing diversity in our science and profession, and ensuring equity and inclusion at our meetings.
SPR also has a Women in Science and Education (WISE) Committee, which promotes the visibility of women and minority STEM scientists/educators. Women and minority scientists/educators are less visible in mainstream, institutional, and social media and are less likely to hold prominent positions in academia (e.g., administrative positions, society board positions, conference presenters, editorial roles). Addressing these issues is paramount to promoting equity and inclusion in academia.
Contact
Please feel free to reach out to the Committee Co-Chairs with any suggestions, feedback, or concerns:
Lisa Gatzke-Kopp, Co-Chair
Penn State University
Lmk18@psu.edu
Frini Karayanidis, Co-Chair
University of Newcastle
Frini.karayanidis@newcastle.edu.au
Mission
The mission of the SPR WISE Committee is to promote gender equity by reducing gender disparities and supporting women and individuals who identify as gender minorities in psychophysiology. The Committee acknowledges the unique experiences and discrimination faced by women and gender minorities whose gender identities intersect with other identities that face systemic discrimination and exclusion, including psychophysiologists of color and from the LGBTQIA+ community. The goal is to amplify their voices and raise awareness of research and scholarship on women and gender minorities, women’s health, and gender discrimination.
Promoting Representation Among Trainees
The Diversity and Outreach Committee is committed to investing in the next generation of psychophysiological researchers. By partnering with the Committee for Student Interests and the Education and Training Committee, SPR is working to:
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- Expand financial resources available to support travel and training opportunities.
- Commit funds to support individuals from under-represented backgrounds.
Promoting the Importance of Diversity in Science and Profession
SPR believes in the value of promoting diversity in academia and recognizes its importance in science. In 2016, Psychophysiology, the official journal of the Society, published a special issue on this topic titled Diversity and Representation: Key Issues in Psychophysiological Research. Additionally, the Program Committee reserves a symposium slot for the topic of diversity.
Examples of past Diversity Symposia include:
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- 2019: Addressing the Representative Samples Problem in Psychophysiological Research: Practical and Conceptual Strategies for Advancing the Field
- 2016: Psychophysiology in Research on Stereotype Threat and Intergroup Dynamics
- 2015: Equal, but Not the Same: Why Participant Diversity Matters in the Study of Physiology-Behavior Associations
SPR collaborates with the Women in Science Committee to host events at annual meetings, inviting outside experts to speak on professional issues related to increasing diversity in academia. Notable speakers and topics include:
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- 2019: Adrienne Carter-Sowell – Diversity in the Workplace: Recruitment, Retention, and Promotion
- 2018: Tasha Neumeister – Promoting Visibility of #STEM Women and Minorities
- 2017: Panel Discussion – Evaluation of Merit in Psychological Science: Implications for Women and Minorities
- 2015: Speaker and Panel Discussion – Gender Bias and Negotiation in the Workplace
Promoting Equity and Inclusion
SPR is committed to ensuring that everyone is able to attend and feel respected at the annual meetings. Learn more about our existing policies and feel free to share feedback or suggestions on how SPR can improve.
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- Family care grants
- Designated prayer and quiet space at meetings
- Designated breastfeeding space at meetings with viewing for keynote addresses