RUPERT G. KLEIN
Associate Professor
I am an experimental psychologist with a focus on personality theories and methodology and how these can be applied in real world settings. I have a particular interest in applying personality theory into understanding risk taking, helping behaviours and competition.
CURRICULUM VITAE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
2011 - present
Lakehead University
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
2007 - 2010
2006 - 2007
Lakehead University
Kansas State University
PHD
2001 - 2006
McGill University
BIOGRAPHY
An Academic’s Story
I received my Honour's Bachelors of Arts with a minor in Philosophy from Lakehead University. Afterwards, I worked for a year as a research assistant in a Psychiatric Hospital before attending McGill University to pursue my PhD in Experimental Psychology. My first academic appointment was at Kansas State University before returning to Lakehead University.
THE DIFFERENT FACETSÂ OF A COMPETITIVE PERSONALITY
Published Work
HOW DO WE MEASURE COMPETITIVENESS?
Is everyone competitive? Are there different types of competitiveness?
Newby, J. & Klein, R. (2014). Competitiveness Reconceptualized: Psychometric Development of the Competitiveness Orientation Measure as a Unified Measure of Trait Competitiveness. The Psychological Record, 64, 879 - 895 DOI:10.1007/s40732-014-00832
PERFECTIONISM AND COMPETITIVENESS
Perfectionism can be both adaptive and maladaptive; however, does perfectionism get in the way of performing well in a competition?
Klein, R., Dooley, D., Lapierre, K., Pitura, V., & Adduono, D. (2020). Trait Perfectionism and Competitiveness: Conceptual Similarities and Differences in a Lab-Based Competitive Task. Personality and Individual Differences, 153, 109610.
GAMBLING AND COMPETITIVENESS
There is something exciting about gambling and consequently individuals who are high sensation seekers are drawn to and engage in it. This study suggests that in addition to the thrill of gambling there is another potential element: competition. In particular, the idea that you are beating somebody else may be an important element associated with problem gambling.
Harris, N., Newby, J., & Klein, R. (2013). Competitiveness Facets and Sensation-Seeking as Predictors of Problem Gambling among a Sample of University Student Gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies, 31(2), 385- 396. DOI 10.1007/s10899-013-9431-4
RISKY BUSINESS: WHAT PERSONALITY TRAITS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH TAKING (OR AVOIDING)Â RISKS?
Published Work
MOTORCYCLES
Motorcycle riding can be a risky behaviour: riders can speed, perform stunts or just make errors in judgement. Which personality theories offer the best explanation for why certain people take risks over others?
Antoniazzi, D. & Klein, R. (2019). Risky Riders: A Comparison of Personality Theories on Motorcyclist Riding Behaviour. Transportation Research Part F, 62, 33-44.
Dubois, S., Antoniazzi, D., Klein, R. & Bédard, M. (2020). Age and engine displacement are associated with unsafe Motorcycle Rider Actions. Journal of Safety Research, (74), 119-124.
CONDOM USE
Given that 1 in 5 undergraduate students may have a sexually transmitted infection why do some students not take precautions to avoid the risk of contracting something?
Klein, R., & Knäuper, B. (2003). The role of cognitive avoidance of STIs for discussing safer sex practices and for condom use consistency. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 12(3-4), 137-149.
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OVERVIEW OF COURSES
The more you know, the more you know you don't know -- Aristotle
PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY
PSYCH 2301
This course is designed for the psychology undergraduate major with an interest in increasing the depth and breadth of knowledge concerning personality psychology. From various perspectives this course will address questions such as: What is personality? How can we investigate the nature and cause of personality? What are the implications and consequences of personality for issues relevant to mental disorders?
HUMAN SEXUALITY
PSYCH 3715
The study of human sexuality encompasses a multitude of fields and disciplines. It is therefore a hub course that takes a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding the complex issues involved in human sexuality. The primary objective of the course is to provide students with a breadth and depth of understanding in the scientific study of sexuality.
ADVANCED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
PSYCH 43331
The primary objective of this class is to increase the depth of understanding in social psychology. Social psychology is a broad field and the course will survey a large portion of that landscape. The course will cover fundamental theories but emphasize contemporary, experimental and theoretically-driven social psychology.
INTERESTED IN GETTING INVOLVED IN PSYCHOLOGY?
WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN HOW PSYCHOLOGY STUDIES ARE RUN?
PSYCH 2917 is a half credit course that gets you involved in running a psychology study. Working with a professor you will help in the collecting of data. If interested contact a professor directly.
WANT TO RUN YOUR OWN STUDY?
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PSYCH 4901 (Honour's thesis) is a 1.0FCE capstone research experience for all specialized honour's psychology students in their final year. While working with me you will be involved in the planning, preparation and running of a study. At the end of the year you will present your work in the form of an extensive paper and as a conference poster.
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Interested? Contact me to set up an appointment.
JUST INTERESTED IN PSYCHOLOGY?
Look up Psychology Association of Lakehead Students (PALS) on Facebook for updates on experiments, talks and information sessions.
GET IN TOUCH
Contact Rupert G. Klein regarding their published work, course offerings or any other inquires.
807 343 8535
