Project information
Behavior Dynamics: From Individual Change to Social Spread (Mgr. Tibor Žingora, Ph.D.)

In this MASH Starting Grant proposal, I seek to establish a stable research position at Masaryk University, enabling the development of an innovative research team dedicated to studying how attitudes and behaviors emerge, evolve, and spread within social groups and populations. This interdisciplinary research combines social psychology, sociology, and computational modeling to tackle pressing societal challenges, including prejudice, segregation, and polarization.

The research investigates two interconnected dimensions: (1) individual change, focusing on how attitudes and behaviors transform in response to personal experiences and environments, and (2) social spread, examining how these transformations propagate through interpersonal interactions and broader social networks. By bridging these micro- and macro-level processes, the project seeks to uncover mechanisms that drive societal change and inform practical interventions.

A significant component of the project focuses on understanding and addressing within-school segregation and its psychological and social consequences for spreading attitudes and behaviors among youth, forming the core of my recently submitted ERC starting proposal. This involves identifying psychological processes triggered by segregation, examining how it affects the spread of attitudes and behaviors, and designing interventions to foster positive social dynamics while minimizing risks.

With a proven track record in securing competitive funding and an extensive international network of collaborators, I am well-positioned to take the next step in my career, establish a long-term position, and start an effective research team. This grant would represent a significant step in my academic journey, supporting my vision of advancing knowledge on the dynamics of attitudes and behaviors and addressing societal challenges through actionable, evidence-based solutions.