Distinguished Achievement Professor at New Mexico State University, United States
David Trafimow is a distinguished professor of psychology at New Mexico State University, renowned for his contributions to social cognition and psychological methodology. With an academic career spanning over three decades, he has significantly influenced the understanding of self-cognitions, behavior determinants, and statistical approaches in psychology. His work extends to philosophical and methodological issues in psychological research, emphasizing critical perspectives on traditional statistical practices. As an educator, researcher, and thought leader, Trafimow has made a lasting impact on both theoretical and applied psychology.
Profile
Orcid
Education
David Trafimow holds a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which he earned in January 1993. Prior to that, he completed an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Indiana University, Bloomington, in May 1988. His foundational education in psychology began with a B.A. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1984. His diverse academic background has equipped him with a multifaceted perspective on cognitive and behavioral psychology.
Professional Experience
Trafimow has been a professor at New Mexico State University since August 2001, having previously served as an associate professor from 1998 to 2001 and an assistant professor from 1994 to 1998. Before joining New Mexico State University, he was an assistant professor at Virginia Tech from 1992 to 1994. Over the years, he has played a crucial role in shaping the curriculum and research direction in psychology, mentoring students and contributing to the broader academic community.
Research Interests
His research primarily focuses on social cognition, particularly how self-cognitions are structured and how they interact with determinants of behavior, such as attitudes, norms, and control beliefs. Additionally, he delves into attribution processes, cognitive and affective mechanisms, and theoretical and methodological aspects of psychology. Trafimow has also contributed significantly to the critique and improvement of statistical methodologies used in psychological research, emphasizing the limitations of traditional significance testing and advocating for alternative approaches.
Awards
Trafimow has received multiple recognitions for his contributions to psychology, particularly for his work in methodological rigor and theoretical advancements. His efforts in challenging conventional statistical practices and proposing alternative inferential methods have earned him respect in the academic community. His recognition extends across various professional organizations and psychology journals that have acknowledged his innovative contributions to research methodologies.
Publications
Trafimow, D. (2024). Distinguishing between models and hypotheses: Implications for significance testing. Meta-Psychology, 8, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.15626/MP.2021.2957
Trafimow, D., & Fiedler, K. (in press). An exploration of physics envy with implications for desiderata of psychology theories. American Psychologist.
Trafimow, D. (in press). Theory-refuting findings in psychology: How much should they matter? Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour.
St Quinton, T., & Trafimow, D. (2025). Meaning in life research: The importance of considering auxiliary assumptions. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 32(6), 1-10. doi: 10.1080/17439760.2025.2459389
Trafimow, D., Hout, M. C., & Conway, A. R. A. (in press). A nuanced view of the extent to which samples from narrow populations are scientifically problematic. American Psychologist.
Fiedler, K., & Trafimow, D. (in press). Using theoretical constraints and the TASI taxonomy to delineate predictably replicable findings. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review.
Trafimow, D. (2024). Replicating is difficult, but necessary, and methodology can help. Theory & Psychology, 34(5), 591-596. doi: 10.1177/09593543241265912
Conclusion
David Trafimow’s career exemplifies a commitment to advancing psychological science through rigorous research and critical inquiry into existing methodologies. His extensive work on social cognition, behavioral determinants, and statistical inference has significantly influenced the field. By challenging conventional statistical approaches and exploring alternative frameworks, he has contributed to the evolution of psychological research practices. As a professor, researcher, and thought leader, his impact continues to shape the discipline, fostering innovation and deeper understanding in psychology.