Research & Scholarship
Bridging Theory and Practice Across Psychology, Education, and Behavioral Science
Frank Turner's research agenda sits at the intersection of applied psychology, higher education, and behavioral science. His work draws on clinical insight, real-world professional experience, and a commitment to translating research into meaningful outcomes for students, practitioners, and organizations.
Areas of Scholarly Focus
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Research on the psychological, educational, and social dimensions of ASD across the lifespan. Focus areas include evidence-based interventions, inclusive education practices, family systems, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood for individuals on the spectrum.
Educational Psychology
Investigating the cognitive, motivational, and social factors that shape learning and academic achievement. Particular interest in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), equity-centered pedagogy, and the application of psychological theory to community college instruction.
Trauma & Resilience
Examining the psychological impact of adverse experiences and the mechanisms through which individuals and communities develop resilience. Applications to clinical practice, educational settings, and organizational contexts — with attention to culturally responsive trauma-informed care.
AI in Higher Education
Exploring the psychological and pedagogical implications of artificial intelligence in college and university settings. Research interests include AI literacy, academic integrity in the age of generative AI, student attitudes toward AI tools, and the ethical dimensions of AI-assisted instruction.
Behavioral Finance & Economics
Applying psychological principles to financial decision-making, risk perception, and economic behavior. Informed by Frank's professional background in real estate and mortgage lending, this research examines cognitive biases, heuristics, and emotional factors in consumer financial choices.
Consumer Psychology
Investigating the psychological processes underlying purchasing decisions, brand relationships, and persuasion. Research draws on behavioral economics, social influence theory, and Frank's direct industry experience to examine how psychological factors shape marketplace behavior.
Leadership & Organizational Psychology
Studying the psychological dimensions of leadership effectiveness, organizational culture, and team performance. Research interests include transformational leadership, psychological safety in the workplace, and the application of I/O psychology principles to entrepreneurial and educational organizations.
Selected Publications
Full list on CV→Universal Design for Learning in Community College Psychology Courses: Faculty Perceptions and Implementation Barriers
Turner, F.
Community College Journal of Research and Practice
Cognitive Biases in Real Estate Decision-Making: A Behavioral Finance Perspective
Turner, F.
Journal of Behavioral Finance
Trauma-Informed Pedagogy in Higher Education: A Framework for Community College Instructors
Turner, F.
Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice
Student Attitudes Toward Generative AI in Introductory Psychology: An Exploratory Study
Turner, F.
Teaching of Psychology
Applied Behavioral Economics in the Undergraduate Curriculum: A Case for Interdisciplinary Integration
Turner, F.
Psychology Learning & Teaching
Conference Presentations
AI in the Psychology Classroom: Opportunities, Risks, and Ethical Considerations
Western Psychological Association Annual Convention · Portland, OR · 2025
Paper PresentationTrauma-Informed Teaching: Practical Strategies for Community College Instructors
California Community Colleges Teaching & Learning Symposium · Sacramento, CA · 2024
WorkshopBehavioral Biases in Real Estate: What Psychology Tells Us About the Housing Market
American Psychological Association Annual Convention · Washington, D.C. · 2024
Poster PresentationUniversal Design for Learning: Moving from Compliance to Commitment
California Psychological Association Annual Conference · San Francisco, CA · 2023
Paper PresentationNeurodiversity in the College Classroom: Supporting Students on the Autism Spectrum
Western Psychological Association Annual Convention · San Francisco, CA · 2023
SymposiumActive Research Projects
AI Literacy and Academic Integrity in Community College Psychology
A multi-semester study tracking student AI literacy development and academic integrity attitudes across introductory and upper-division psychology courses. Includes faculty interviews and syllabus analysis.
Timeline: 2025–2026
Resilience Factors Among First-Generation College Students
Examining the psychological resilience factors — including growth mindset, social support, and institutional belonging — that predict academic persistence among first-generation community college students.
Timeline: 2024–2026
Behavioral Economics and Financial Decision-Making in Emerging Adults
Survey-based study investigating the financial decision-making patterns of emerging adults (18–25), with a focus on cognitive biases, financial self-efficacy, and the role of financial education.
Timeline: 2025–2027
Research Goals & Future Directions
Frank is committed to deepening his scholarly contributions through doctoral study and expanded research partnerships. His future research agenda reflects a vision for psychology that is rigorous, applied, and genuinely transformative.
Pursue a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Psychology or Educational Psychology to deepen research capacity and expand scholarly contributions
Develop a funded research program examining the intersection of AI, behavioral science, and higher education equity
Publish a practitioner-focused book on applied behavioral economics for non-specialists
Establish a community college research collaborative focused on student success, trauma-informed pedagogy, and neurodiversity
Expand interdisciplinary research partnerships with business, education, and public policy scholars
Interested in Research Collaboration?
Frank welcomes inquiries from scholars, practitioners, and students interested in collaborative research, co-authorship, or interdisciplinary projects across his areas of focus.