Dr. Jennifer J. Ratcliff is a Chancellor’s award-winning Professor of Psychology at SUNY Brockport with a specialization in Social Psychology. The thread tying Dr. Ratcliff’s scholarship, pedagogy, and service together is a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Her research centers on identifying antecedents to prejudice, discrimination, and stigma, as well as the impact of such stigma on minoritized individuals. More recently, she has examined evidence-based interventions for effectively combating prejudice and discrimination. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in prejudice and discrimination and social psychology, as well as research methods and psychology and the law.
Education
Slifka Postdoctoral Fellow for Coexistence Research, JFK School of Government, Harvard University
PhD, Experimental Social Psychology, Ohio University - 2007
Concentration: Quantitative methods
M.S., Experimental Social Psychology, Ohio University - 2004
M.S., Community Counseling, University of Dayton - 2001
B.S., Psychology, Slippery Rock University - 1996
Areas of Specialty
Interventions to Reduce Prejudice, Discrimination, and Stigma
Confronting Prejudice
Resilience in Response to Traumas such as Bullying
Racial Biases in the Legal System
Courses Taught
Social Psychology
Research Methods
Prejudice and Discrimination
Advanced Social Psychology
Psychology and the Law
Advanced Research Experience in Psychology
Western Europe: The International Study of Culture and Customs
Understanding Intergroup Relations in New Zealand
Research Interests
The experience of stigma and marginalization
Posttraumatic growth following experiences with bullying
Factors that impact willingness to confront prejudice
Interventions to reduce stigma
Social Perception
The role of race in juror decision making
Research Descriptions
Dr. Ratcliff’s primary program of research centers on understanding the antecedents to prejudice, discrimination, and stigma, as well as the impact of such stigma on marginalized individuals. Much of her work has focused on sexual orientation-based prejudice and stigma in particular, as well as understanding risk and protective factors for individuals who have been the targets of bullying. In a new line of research, Dr. Ratcliff is examining factors that impact the confrontation of prejudice.
More recently, Dr. Ratcliff has examined evidence-based interventions for effectively combating prejudice and discrimination. She is also exploring evidence-based interventions to increase inclusion and equity in educational settings.
2021-2022 - Fellow, Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Division 8 of the American Psychological Association
2019-2020 - Outstanding Academic Advisement Award, School of Arts and Science, The College at Brockport
2018-2019 - Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, SUNY
2016-2017 - Kathy Mangione Award for Diversity Engagement, SUNY Brockport
2012-2013 - Faculty Award for Student Scholarly Engagement, SUNY Brockport
2010-2011 - Nominated for the Academic Advisement Award, School of Mathematics and Science, SUNY Brockport
2009-2010 - Academic Advisement Award, School of Mathematics and Science, SUNY Brockport
2005-2007 - Research Fellowship, NSF (SES-0453302), Ohio University
2003-2005 - University Doctoral Fellowship, Ohio University
2001-2003 - Moates Fellowship, Ohio University
Grants
* indicates a student author
Brand, P.* & Ratcliff, J.J. (2020). The morality of mortality: A Terror Management explanation for perceived atheist immorality and anti-atheist prejudice. Psi Chi Mamie Phipps Clark Diversity Research Grant ($2,940.00).
Minster, K.* (funded but program was canceled due to Covid-19). The impact of disclosure of bullying experiences on posttraumatic growth in LGBTQ adults. The Brockport Foundation Summer Undergraduate Research Program ($3000.00). Faculty sponsor: Jennifer J. Ratcliff
Minster, K.* (2020). The impact of disclosure of bullying experiences on posttraumatic growth in LGBTQ adults. The Brockport Foundation Mini-Grant Program ($400.00). Faculty sponsor: Jennifer J. Ratcliff
Ratcliff, J.J. (2020). Factors Promoting Posttraumatic Growth in Sexual Minority Adults Following Stigmatizing Bullying Experiences in Adolescence. Provost’s Post-tenure Fellowship Award. SUNY Brockport, SUNY ($3500.00).
Ratcliff, J.J. (Principal Investigator, not funded). Early bullying experiences and sexual orientation-based revictimization in adulthood: A prospective analysis. National Institute of Health, NICHD ($464,404).
Brand, P.* (2019). The impact of attributions for bullying on posttraumatic growth, search for meaning, and health outcomes. The Brockport Foundation Summer Research Program ($1600.00). Faculty sponsor: Jennifer J. Ratcliff
Monheim, C.* (2017). The role of disclosure in promoting posttraumatic growth in bullied LGBTQ+ individuals. The Brockport Foundation Summer Research Program ($3200.00). Faculty sponsor: Jennifer J. Ratcliff
Stroman-Surita, A.* (2017). The role of implicit personality theories in psychological growth following bully victimization in children with visual impairments. The Brockport Foundation Summer Research Program ($2800.00 + housing). Faculty sponsor: Jennifer J. Ratcliff
Ratcliff, J.J. (2015). Unrestricted Travel Grant. The role of bullying in posttraumatic growth responses. Psi Chi ($1500.00).
Goldsmith, E.* & Ratcliff, J.J. (2015). Visual attention as a mediator between suspect race and perceptions of guilt in videotaped confessions. Psi Chi Undergraduate Research Award for Summer Research ($5,000.00).
Goldsmith, E.* (2015). Visual attention as a mediator in the relationship between Perceived minority status and perceptions of guilt in videotaped confessions. The Brockport Foundation Summer Research Program ($1200.00 + housing). Faculty sponsor: Jennifer J. Ratcliff
Ratcliff, J.J. (2015). Video-recorded Interrogations: Beyond Camera Perspective. Subaward with Ohio University, National Science Foundation ($4,860).
Tombari, J.* & Ratcliff, J.J. (2015). Bullying and posttraumatic growth in LGBT individuals. Psi Chi Undergraduate Research Award for Summer Research ($5,000.00).
Tombari, J.* (2015). Bullying as a source of posttraumatic growth. The Brockport Foundation Summer Research Program ($2400.00 + housing). Faculty sponsor: Jennifer J. Ratcliff
Ratcliff, J.J. (under revision). Bullying experiences as a source of posttraumatic growth in LGBT individuals. National Institute of Health, NICHD($424,937).
Bonafede, E.* (2013). The “coming out” experience as a potential source of posttraumatic growth across the lifespan. The Graduate Student Distinguished Professor Award ($450.00). Faculty supervisor: Jennifer J. Ratcliff
Pace, B.* (2012). Individual Differences in Beliefs about Sexual Fluidity: Correlates and Consequences. The Brockport Foundation Summer Research Program ($1600.00 + housing). Faculty sponsor: Jennifer J. Ratcliff
Ratcliff, J.J. (2012). Pretenure Grants Development Award. The role of empowerment in reactions to ostracism and bullying experiences: Post traumatic stress versus post traumatic growth responses. SUNY Brockport, SUNY ($2000.00).
Ratcliff, J.J. (2009). Scholarly Incentive Award. SUNY Brockport, SUNY ($211.00).
Rinella, M.* & Ratcliff, J.J. (2012). Pride in context: The impact of protesters on observers reactions to LGBT pride parades. Psi Chi Undergraduate Research Award for Summer Research ($5,000.00).
Rinella, M.* (2012). The perception of pride in context. The Brockport Foundation Summer Research Program ($1600.00 + housing). Faculty sponsor: Jennifer J. Ratcliff
Krowlikowski, A.* & Ratcliff, J.J. (2010). The black sheep effect: When do majority members distance from group members who express prejudice? Psi Chi Undergraduate Research Award for Summer Research ($5,000.00).
Krowlikowski, A.* (2010). The role of perceived pride in reactions of majority group members to pride displays. The Brockport Foundation Summer Research Program ($1600.00 + housing). Faculty sponsor:Jennifer J. Ratcliff
Gentile, D.* (2009). The roles of gender, sexual orientation, and attractiveness in perceived sexual fluidity.” The Brockport Foundation Summer Research Program ($1600.00 + housing). Faculty sponsor: Jennifer J. Ratcliff
Gravelin, C.* & Ratcliff, J.J. (2009). “The impact of power on the perception of minorities.” Psi Chi Undergraduate Research Award for Summer Research ($5,000.00).
Ratcliff, J.J. (2009). UUP Individual Development Grant to present research at the annual meeting of the Society of Personality and Social Psychology, SUNY Brockport, SUNY ($211.00).
Ratcliff, J.J. (2005). “Visually salient minorities and the camera perspective bias.” Competitive Research Award for Graduate Students, Psychology Department, Ohio University ($300.00).
Ratcliff, J.J. (2004). “The consensus attitude primacy effect.” Competitive Research Award for Graduate Students, Psychology Department, Ohio University ($1,000.00).
Ratcliff, J.J. (2003). “The consequences of prejudice-related discrepancies for behavior perception.” Competitive Research Award for Graduate Students, Psychology Department, Ohio University ($182.00).
Ratcliff, J.J., Andrus, T.*, Miller, A. K., Olowu, F.*, & Capellupo, J.* (2023). When potential allies and targets do (and do not) confront anti-Asian prejudice: Reactions to blatant and subtle prejudice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605231188057
Monheim, C.* & Ratcliff, J.J., (2023). Perceived social norms and acceptance of transgender students in gendered restrooms. Journal of LGBT Youth, 20 (2-3), 353-369.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19361653.2021.1928583
Ratcliff, J.J., Tombari, J.M.*, Miller, A.K., Brand, P.F.*, & Witnauer, J.E. (2022). Factors promoting posttraumatic growth in sexual minority adults following adolescent bullying experiences. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37(7-8).https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260520961867
Ratcliff, J.J., Minster, K.*, & Monheim, C.* (2021). Engaging students in an online
format during the COVID-19 pandemic: A jury voir dire activity. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology.
Desrochers, M.N., & Ratcliff, J.J. (2021). An experimental demonstration of the effect of a label of autism spectrum disorder on perceptions of children’s problem behavior. In Wong, M. S., Weiner, L., Wong, L., & Cerniak, J. (Eds.). Incorporating Diversity in Classroom Settings: Real and Engaging Examples for Various Psychology Courses. The Society for the Teaching of Psychology (APA Division 2).
Ratcliff, J.J., Lieberman, L., Miller, A.K., & Pace, B.* (2017). Bullying as a source of posttraumatic growth in individuals with visual impairments. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 29, 265-278. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-016-9523-z
Hutchings, R.*, Morgan, E.*, & Ratcliff, J.J. (2016). Beyond politics: The relationship
between opposition to marriage equality, behavioral intentions and reactions to LGBT hate crimes. Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research, 20(4), 197-207.
Krolikowski, A*, Rinella, M.*, & Ratcliff, J.J. (2015). The influence of subtle and blatant prejudice on group identity. Journal of Homosexuality, 63, 228-249.https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2015.1083776
Buck, D., Plant, E.A., Ratcliff, J.J., Zielaskowski, K. , & Boerner, P.* (2013). Social contagion concerns and the avoidance of sexual minorities. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 105, 941-960.
Dane-Staples, E., Lieberman, L., Ratcliff, J.J., & Rounds, K.* (2013). Exploring status as it relates to bullying in visually impaired populations. Journal of Sport Behavior, 36, 365-386.
Ratcliff, J.J., Miller, A.K., & Krolikowski, A.* (2012). Why pride displays elicit support from majority group members: The mediational role of perceived deservingness. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, 16, 462-475.
Elek, J.K., Ware, L.J., & Ratcliff, J.J. (2012). When the camera lies: Judicial instructions mitigate the camera perspective bias. Legal and Criminological Psychology, 17, 123-135.
Lassiter, G. D., Lindberg, M. J., Ratcliff, J. J., & Ware, L. J. (2010). Top-down influences on event perception. In E. Balcetis & G. D. Lassiter (Eds.), Top-down influences on visual perception (pp. 225-252). New York: Psychology Press.
Lassiter, G. D., Ware, L. J., & Lindberg, M. J., & Ratcliff, J. J. (2010). Videotaping custodial interrogations: Toward a scientifically based policy. In G. D. Lassiter & C. A. Meissner (Eds.), Interrogations and confessions: Current research, practice, and policy (pp. 143-160). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Ratcliff, J.J., Lassiter, G.D., Jager, V.M. *, Lindberg, M.J., Elek, J. & Hasinski, A. E.* (2010). The hidden consequences of racial salience in videotaped interrogations and confessions. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 16, 200-218.
Lassiter, G.D., Ware, L.J., Ratcliff, J.J., Irvin, C.R. (2009). Evidence of the camera perspective bias in authentic videotaped interrogations: Implications for emerging reform in the criminal justice system. Legal and Criminological Psychology, 14, 157-170.
Ratcliff, J.J., & Lassiter, G.D. (2007). On the induction and consequences of variation in behavior perception. Current Psychology: Developmental, Learning, Personality, Social, 26, 16-36.
Lassiter, G.D., Ware, L.J., & Ratcliff, J.J. (2007). Videotaping confessions. In B. L. Cutler (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Psychology and Law (Vol.2, pp. 844-847). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Inc.
Lassiter, G.D., Ratcliff, J.J., Lindberg, M.J. (2007). Sunk cost. In R. Baumeister & K. Vohs (Eds.), Encyclopedia of social psychology. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Markman, K.D., Elizaga, R.A., Ratcliff, J.J., & McMullen, M.N. (2007).The interplay between counterfactual reasoning and feedback dynamics in producing inferences about the self. Thinking and Reasoning, 13, 188-206.
Markman, K.D., Ratcliff, J.J., Mizoguchi, N., McMullen, M.N., & Elizaga, R.A. (2007). Assimilation and contrast in counterfactual thinking and other mental simulation-based comparisons. In D.A. Stapel & J. Suls (Eds.), Assimilation and contrast in social psychology (pp. 314-347). Psychology Press, New York, NY.
Lassiter, G.D., Ratcliff, J.J., Ware, L.J., & Irvin, C.R. (2006). Videotaped confessions: Panacea or Pandora’s Box? Law and Policy, 28, 192-210.
Ratcliff, J.J., Lassiter, G.D., Markman, K.D., & Snyder, C.J. (2006). Gender differences in attitudes toward gay men and lesbians: The role of motivation to respond without prejudice. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 33, 1325-1338.
Ratcliff, J.J., Lassiter, G.D., Schmidt, H.C., & Snyder, C.J. (2006). Camera perspective bias in videotaped confessions: Experimental evidence of its perceptual basis. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, 12, 197-206.
Lassiter, G.D., & Ratcliff, J.J. (2004). Exposing coercive influences in the criminal justice system: An agenda for legal psychology in the 21st century. In G.D. Lassiter (Ed.), Interrogations, Confessions, and Entrapment. New York: Kluwer Academic/ Plenum Press.
*indicates student
Gentile, D.* & Ratcliff, J.J. (2010, September 1). Research at pride picnic examines role of ethnicity in perceptions of sexual fluidity. Empty Closet, p. 3. Retrieved from http://www.gayalliance.org/emptycloset/page/3/
Ratcliff, J.J., & Hoock, A.* (2010, September 1). Research examines effectiveness of Rochester pride parade. Empty Closet, p. 3. Retrieved from http://www.gayalliance.org/emptycloset/page/3/
Lassiter, G. D., Lindberg, M. J., Ratcliff, J. J., & Ware, L. J. (2010) Top-down influences on event perception. In E. Balcetis & G. D. Lassiter (Eds.), Top-down influences on visual perception. New York: Psychology Press.
Lassiter, G. D., Ware, L. J., & Lindberg, M. J., & Ratcliff, J. J. (2010). Videotaping police interrogations: Dos and don’ts. In G. D. Lassiter & C A. Meissner (Eds.), Interrogations and confessions: Current research, practice, and policy. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Pittinsky, T. L., Ratcliff, J. J., & Maruskin, L. A. (2008). Coexistence in Israel: A National Study. Center for Public Leadership, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Rosenthal, S. A., Pittinsky, T. L., Moore, S., Ratcliff, J. J., Maruskin, L. A., & Gravelin, C. R.* (2008). National Leadership Index 2008: A National Study of Confidence in Leadership. Center for Public Leadership, Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Lassiter, G.D., Ratcliff, J.J., Lindberg, M.J. (2007). Sunk cost. In R. Baumeister & K. Vohs (Eds.), Encyclopedia of social psychology. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Lassiter, G.D., Ware, L.J., & Ratcliff, J.J. (2007). Videotaping confessions. In B. L. Cutler (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Psychology and Law. (Vol.2, pp. 844-847). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Inc.
Markman, K.D., Ratcliff, J.J., Mizoguchi, N., McMullen, M.N., & Elizaga, R.A. (2007). Assimilation and contrast in counterfactual thinking and other mental simulation-based comparisons. In D.A. Stapel & J. Suls (Eds.), Assimilation and contrast in social psychology (pp. 314-347). Psychology Press.
Lassiter, G.D., & Ratcliff, J.J. (2004). Exposing coercive influences in the criminal justice system: An agenda for legal psychology in the 21st century. In G.D. Lassiter (Ed.), Interrogations, Confessions, and Entrapment. New York: Kluwer Academic/ Plenum Press.
*indicates student
INVITED TALKS AND PAPER PRESENTATIONS
Ratcliff, J.J., Olowu, F.*, & Sushko, A.* (March 2022). When Potential Allies and Targets do (and do not) Confront Anti-Asian Prejudice. Eastern Psychological Association, New York, Presented as part of symposium (entitled “Social Papers: Prejudice and Discrimination”) at the annual meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association.
Ratcliff, J.J., Miller, A.K., Tombari, J.*, Brand, P.*, & Witnauer, J. (July 2021). Factors promoting posttraumatic growth in sexual minority adults following stigmatizing bullying experiences in adolescence. Presented virtually as part of symposium (entitled “Coping with disadvantage and injustice”) at The International Society for Justice Research Conference, Lisbon,
Ratcliff, J.J. (July 2020). Presenting Posters at Conferences in STEM. An educational session for the Summer Undergraduate Research Program, The College at
Ratcliff, J.J., Bonafede, E.*, & Tombari, J.*, & Lieberman, L. (October 2015). From marginalization to empowerment: Factors that promote psychological growth in individuals with stigmatized identities. An educational session for the Diversity Conference, The College at Brockport.
Leon, M. *, & Ratcliff, J.J. (November 2013). The psychological impact of bullying ontargets: Consequences and potential avenues for intervention. Presented as part of event (entitled “Dignity for all students”) at the Seymour Library, Brockport,
Ratcliff, J.J., Tischer, A., & Watts, B. (September 2013). Marriage equality and inequality: Beliefs that foster, the impact on LGBT individuals, and creating change. An educational session for the Diversity Conference, The College at
Ratcliff, J.J., & Lassiter, G.D. (July 2013). The hidden consequences of racial salience in videotaped interrogations and confessions. Presented as part of symposium (entitled “The Cognitive and Social Psychology of Visual Perception and Law”) at the International Congress of Law and Mental Health, Amsterdam, The
Ratcliff, J.J., & Lassiter, G.D. (November 2012). The hidden consequences of racial salience in videotaped interrogations and confessions. Syracuse University, Syracuse,
Ratcliff, J.J., Plant, E.A., Hoock, A*, & Goodman, E.* (March 2011). The role of perceived contagion in interactions with sexual minorities. Eastern Psychological Association, Boston, MA.
Lassiter, G. D., Ratcliff, J. J., & Lindberg, M. J. (March 2010). Videotaped interrogations and confessions: Does an equal-focus camera perspective ensure equal justice for all? Presented as part of symposium (entitled “New Frontiers in Research on the Interrogation of Suspects: Diagnostic Efficacy, Perceptions of Credibility, and Factors that Bias Perception/Beliefs”) at the meeting of the American Psychology–Law Society, Vancouver, British
Ratcliff, J.J., Jager, V.M.*, Lassiter, G.D. (May 2009). Race and camera perspective bias in videotaped police interrogations. Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago,
Ratcliff, J.J. (November 2008). Experiences in the Field of Psychology. Psychology Club. The College at Brockport, Brockport,
Ratcliff, J.J., & Pittinsky, T.P. (June 2008). Unmixed positive regard: How warmth and competence stereotypes lead to allophilia and outgroup support. European Association of Experimental Social Psychology, Opatija,
Pittinsky, T.L., & Ratcliff, J.J. (April 2008). Contrasting effects of social consensus and certainty on the loving and hateful acts of allophiliacs and bigots. Claremont Graduate School, Claremont,
Ratcliff, J.J., & Pittinsky, T.P. (April 2008). Positive coexistence orientations in Israel: National findings on allophilia and prejudice. University of Haifa, Haifa,
Ratcliff, J.J., Pittinsky, T.L., & Simon, S.* (March 2008). Pride and prejudice (or allophilia): The contrasting influence of perceived hubristic- and authentic-pride on proactive intergroup behavior. Eastern Psychological Association, Boston,
Ratcliff, J.J. (February 2007). Bridging the gender gap in sexual prejudice. Universityof Toledo, Toledo,
Ratcliff, J.J., Lassiter, G.D, Markman, K.D., Snyder, C.J., Duprey, M.*, & Prewitt, D.* (May 2006). Gender-role variables as antecedents to motivation to respond without prejudice. Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago,
Ratcliff, J.J., Lassiter, G.D., Schmidt, H.C., & Snyder, C.J. (May 2006). The impact of visual mental imagery on camera perspective bias. Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago,
Ratcliff, J.J., & Lassiter, G.D. (May 2003). Pernicious perception: Is prejudice maintained in the level of analysis? Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago,
Ratcliff, J.J., & Hall, S. (November 2001). Making the connection: Integrating social psychology into counseling practice. All Ohio Counselors Conference, Hilton Easton, Columbus, Ohio.
