Dr. Nicholas Umashev

I joined MPI-CSL  as a postdoctoral researcher after completing a PhD at the University of Queensland. My research focuses on the `dark side' of human behaviour, that is, why do people lie, steal, and harm each other and what can we do about it.

I apply the principles of methodological convergence by combining the three pillars of research: theory, observation, and experimentation. Theory allows us to specify the nature of a behaviour through microeconomic models, observation allows us to test if this behaviour is externally valid through real-world data, and experimentation allows us to confirm whether this behaviour is internally valid through laboratory experiments.

By combining these three pillars, my research aims to deliver highly rigorous and replicable insights that improve our understanding of social norms, antisocial behaviour, exploitation, deception, and more. I have also worked with think tanks and consulting firms on topics such as the effectiveness of workforce matching programs, migration trends, housing affordability, and education performance.