Profile for

Kevin Diegel, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Dr. Diegel is not taking Ph.D. students at this time.

Dr. Kevin Diegel is a cognitive psychologist who studies decision-making. His research centers on a broad question: What psychological factors help explain why people choose to act the way they do? Much of his work examines moral and ethical choices, including how individual differences and mental health-related factors may influence judgment and behavior. For example, his research has explored how depression and anxiety relate to moral decision-making and whether temporary experiences, such as frustration, change how people evaluate difficult choices. He is also interested in psychometric development, or the process of creating and evaluating tools used to measure psychological characteristics.

At East Texas A&M University, Kevin directs the Decision Lab, where he and his students investigate the psychological processes that shape judgment and choice. The lab gives students an opportunity to see how research develops from an initial question into a carefully designed study and, ultimately, a clearer understanding of human behavior. Kevin encourages students who are considering graduate school or a research-oriented career to become involved in research as early as possible. Students interested in joining the Decision Lab are welcome to contact him to discuss their interests and available opportunities. If the lab is a good fit and has room, they will be welcomed into the team. If not, Kevin will try to help them identify another research opportunity that better matches their goals.

Kevin has taught undergraduate courses in abnormal psychology, personality, adjustment, cognition, evolutionary psychology, introductory psychology, and the history of psychology, as well as graduate courses in cognition and research techniques. Rather than naming a single favorite, he enjoys the variety of teaching across these areas and the opportunity to get to know his students. His teaching emphasizes translating ideas that may seem complicated or jargon-heavy into real-world examples. He hopes students leave his courses with a greater appreciation for how deeply psychology shapes everyday life.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

• Ph.D., Experimental Psychology, Texas Christian University, 2025
• M.S., Psychology, Texas Christian University, 2022
• B.S., Psychology, University of New Mexico, 2020

RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Decision-Making
• Morality & Ethics
• Psychopathology
• Individual Differences
• Psychometrics
• Artificial Intelligence