Congratulations to Dr. M. H. Raza, associate professor in Missouri State University’s School of Teaching, Learning and Developmental Sciences, on his feature in Mind’s Eye magazine.

A family studies expert, he addresses the question of what shapes human behavior in his research.

Research feature story now online

The Mind’s Eye story featuring Raza’s research is now published online.

Excerpt:

Most people can tell you why Bruce Wayne became Batman. After witnessing his parents’ murder, he created a vigilante alter ego — someone who could hold the bad guys accountable.  

Then there’s Norman Bates. His unhealthy relationship with his abusive mother sent him spiraling down a delusional path of violence. And Charles Foster Kane, who so desperately missed the freedom he felt in childhood that he spent the rest of his life trying to buy it back.  

Origin stories like these make for compelling films, but in real life, we know that people are more complex than they are in “Psycho” or “Citizen Kane.”  

Still, it’s natural to seek explanations for human behavior. Psychologists and social scientists have developed many theories to serve as frameworks for such analysis. Some, like attachment theory and conflict theory, have entered the pop culture lexicon — you might see oversimplified versions of them floating around in memes. 

Dr. Muhammad Hassan Raza, associate professor in Missouri State University’s School of Teaching, Learning and Developmental Sciences, believes while all these theories are useful, it’s important to remember that they’re not silver bullets, and they’re not one size fits all.  

Read the full story