Miriam Matthews

Senior Behavioral and Social Scientist

Washington Office

Education

Ph.D. in social psychology, Claremont Graduate University

One Page Bio

Overview

Miriam Matthews is a senior behavioral and social scientist at the RAND Corporation. She conducts research in the areas of political psychology and diversity and multiculturalism.

Matthews has published research on multiple topics, including the factors that contribute to negative intergroup attitudes among Americans and Arabs, the effects of threats on political attitudes, the situations that influence support for anti-Western jihad, and the possible effects of malign and subversive information efforts on attitudes and behaviors. She has also examined barriers to diversity within the Department of Defense civilian workforce, hazing measurement and prevention, sexual assault prevention and response, and racial/ethnic harassment and discrimination.

Matthews earned her Ph.D. in social psychology from Claremont Graduate University, and she was a postdoctoral research fellow with the University of Oxford.

Research Focus

Selected Publications

Hackett, J., Omoto, A., & Matthews, M., "Human rights: The role of psychological sense of global community," Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology, 21, 2015

Levin, S., Pratto, F., Matthews, M., Sidanius, J., & Kteily, N., "A dual process approach to understanding intergroup prejudice in Lebanon: An extension to intergroup threat perceptions and emotions," Group Processes and Intergroup Relations, 16, 2013

Levin, S., Matthews, M., Guimond, S., Sidanius, J., Pratto, F., Kteily, N., Pitpitan, E., & Dover, T., "Assimilation, multiculturalism, and colorblindness: Mediated and moderated relationships between social dominance orientation and prejudice," Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 48, 2012

Dover, T.L., Matthews, M., Krauss, D.A., & Levin, S., "Just world beliefs, expert psychological testimony, and verdicts: A mediational model," Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy, 12, 2012

Victoroff, J., Adelman, J., & Matthews, M., "Psychological factors associated with support for suicide bombing in the Muslim Diaspora," Political Psychology, 33, 2012

Matthews, M., & Levin, S., "Testing a dual process model of prejudice: Assessment and manipulation of group threat perceptions," Motivation and Emotion, 36, 2012

Matthews, M., Levin, S., & Sidanius, J., "A longitudinal test of ideological motives within the model of political conservatism as motivated social cognition," Political Psychology, 30, 2009

Commentary

Police Officers: This Article Will Make You Better at Combatting Misinformation
By deliberately addressing misinformation, police officers can promote safe and healthy behaviors among those in their communities. The actions they take to combat misinformation and improve protections in their communities are a critical part of the collective campaign to end the pandemic and help people return to their normal lives.
Aug 24, 2020 Police1
The U.S. Air Force Is Working Harder to Retain Female Officers, and Here's How
Women are underrepresented among the U.S. Air Force's senior leadership. This could be robbing the service of the potential to improve innovation, agility, and performance. The Air Force is working to address diversity in the service, and it continues to work to improve representation of women within its ranks.
Aug 6, 2018 Dallas Morning News
Improving the Effectiveness of Air Force Squadron Commanders
U.S. Air Force commanders around the world understand their responsibilities. But they believe that many unrecognized duties interfere with mission performance. They are generally prepared by professional education and career progression to fulfill their responsibilities, but they could use more instruction on how to command.
May 23, 2018 Homeland Security Today
Putin's Boasting About Nuclear Weapons Won't Help Him in the Russian Election
In a March 1 address to the nation, Russian President Vladimir Putin evoked Soviet-era exaggeration, proclaiming barely feasible economic and social goals and boasting of nuclear arms that are unlikely to change the strategic balance. Continued exaggeration could sap public confidence in the legitimacy of Russia's ruling system and leaders.
Mar 15, 2018 Newsweek
How Putin Ensnares
President Vladimir Putin is Russia's charmer-in-chief, with years of experience in high-level diplomacy. As part of Russia's influence operations, Putin may seek to entice or suborn Western leaders. How might he try to win them over?
Mar 18, 2017 U.S. News & World Report

Publications

Report
A Review of the Air Force Fitness Assessment
This report presents an overview of research relevant to U.S. Air Force fitness assessment components to ensure readiness of personnel, support the National Defense Strategy, and promote a culture of health and well-being across the U.S. Air Force.
Apr 6, 2021
Report
Effects of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment on Separation from the U.S. Military: Findings from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study
This report describes analyses, using data from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study, designed to assess the effects of sexual assault and sexual harassment on service members' decisions to separate from the military.
Feb 8, 2021
Research Brief
Harassment and Discrimination in the FEMA Workplace: Topline Results from the Workplace Survey Support Study
This brief summarizes findings and recommendations from a study of the prevalence and characteristics of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, racial/ethnic harassment, and racial/ethnic discrimination at the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Dec 2, 2020
Report
Harassment and Discrimination on the Basis of Gender and Race/Ethnicity in the FEMA Workforce
Researchers assessed the prevalence and characteristics of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, racial/ethnic harassment, and racial/ethnic discrimination at FEMA. This report documents the survey results.
Dec 2, 2020
Report
Human Aspects of Air Force Operations: The Roles of Social, Cultural, and Political Knowledge and Skills in the Full Spectrum of Multidomain Operations
The authors examine whether there is a need for a joint warfighting domain focused on human aspects of military operations and consider how sociocultural knowledge and skills could be better integrated into conventional Air Force operations.
Nov 30, 2020
Report
Advancement and Retention Barriers in the U.S. Air Force Civilian White Collar Workforce: Implications for Demographic Diversity
This report documents results of a study examining challenges that Air Force civilian women, racial/ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities may face in advancing to higher pay grades as well as factors influencing retention decisions.
Sep 3, 2020
Report
Frameworks for Assessing USEUCOM Efforts to Inform, Influence, and Persuade
It can be challenging to assess the progress, performance, and effectiveness of efforts to inform, influence, and persuade in support of U.S. national security objectives. This report presents robust and flexible frameworks to enhance assessment.
Jul 2, 2020
Report
Detecting Malign or Subversive Information Efforts over Social Media: Scalable Analytics for Early Warning
The authors examine scalable analytic means to detect malign or subversive information efforts. The report has operational relevance to the U.S. government and may also benefit other researchers and social media companies dealing with malign actors.
Mar 16, 2020
Report
A Survey System to Assess Abuse and Misconduct Toward Air Force Students in Occupational Specialty Training
This report provides recommendations for how the Air Force's survey system for monitoring abuse and misconduct in Basic Military Training can best be adapted for use in technical training and flying training environments.
Mar 5, 2019
Report
Representation of Persons with Targeted Disabilities: An Analysis of Barriers to Employment in the Department of Defense Civilian Workforce
This report identifies employment barriers within the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) that persons with targeted disabilities (PWTD) may experience and recommends actions DoD can take to increase employment of PWTD in its civilian workforce.
Dec 13, 2018
Research Brief
Unequal Opportunity: Barriers to Employment in the Department of Defense Civilian Workforce
Summarizes results of research into representation of Hispanic people and people with targeted disabilities among the Department of Defense civilian workforce.
Dec 13, 2018
Report
Women's Representation in the U.S. Department of Defense Workforce: Addressing the Influence of Veterans' Employment
Researchers report findings from an analysis of differences in and potential barriers to representation of women in the U.S. Department of Defense workforce.
Nov 7, 2018
Report
The Language of Inform, Influence, and Persuade: Assessment Lexicon and Usage Guide for U.S. European Command Efforts
Inconsistency in how assessment is discussed can lead to confusion, miscommunication, and the appearance of agreement or disagreement when the opposite is true. RAND researchers developed this lexicon and usage guide to help combat this problem.
Oct 18, 2018
Report
Training Success for U.S. Air Force Special Operations and Combat Support Specialties: An Analysis of Recruiting, Screening, and Development Processes
This report addresses challenges for implementing new approaches to Air Force high-demand, high-attrition specialty recruiting, screening, and development processes, and takes a holistic approach to identifying methods to fill gaps in processes.
May 15, 2018
Report
Needs of Male Sexual Assault Victims in the U.S. Armed Forces
This report reviews research on sexual assault against men and describes interviews with military service providers and civilian experts. It concludes with recommendations for improving support to male sexual assault victims in the U.S. military.
May 1, 2018
Report
Improving the Effectiveness of Air Force Squadron Commanders: Assessing Squadron Commander Responsibilities, Preparation, and Resources
This study used a variety of data sources and interviews with squadron, group, and wing commanders to develop recommendations for how the Air Force can address commander responsibilities, improve commander preparation, and refine resource monitoring.
Apr 11, 2018
Report
Addressing Barriers to Female Officer Retention in the Air Force
This report documents the results of a qualitative study designed to better understand the factors that female Air Force officers consider when deciding whether to remain in the active duty Air Force.
Apr 10, 2018
Report
Air Force Sexual Assault Situations, Settings, and Offender Behaviors
To assist Air Force efforts to prevent and respond to sexual assault, this report focuses on providing a better understanding of sexual assaults committed by airmen, including suspect characteristics and behaviors and risky situations and settings.
Apr 10, 2018
Report
Hispanic Representation in the Department of Defense Civilian Workforce: Trend and Barrier Analysis
Hispanics are less represented in the Department of Defense civilian workforce than in the federal civilian workforce and the civilian labor force. This report assesses what factors might account for Hispanic underrepresentation in the department.
Aug 28, 2017
Tool
Assessing Impact to Inform Decisions: A Toolkit on Measures for Policymakers
This toolkit provides a very brief overview of how to identify concepts that should be measured by policymakers, how to evaluate measures, and how to identify new measures that can contribute to better-informed decisions, plans, and assessments.
Jul 25, 2017
Tool
Hazing Prevention and Response: Training for Military Leaders
This instructor guide provides content for leading Hazing Prevention and Response: Training for Military Leaders, an adaptable, interactive class to aid hazing prevention and response, describing policies and strategies in support of such efforts.
Jul 24, 2017
Journal Article
The Evolution of Extreme Cooperation Via Shared Dysphoric Experiences
Shared painful or frightening experiences are a powerful mechanism for promoting pro-group behaviors, which can be extremely costly to the individuals concerned.
May 10, 2017
Report
Development and Pilot Test of the RAND Program Evaluation Toolkit for Countering Violent Extremism
The RAND Program Evaluation Toolkit for Countering Violent Extremism helps programs assess their activities and identify needed improvements. This report is a companion to the toolkit and provides background on its development and testing.
Mar 13, 2017
Tool
RAND Program Evaluation Toolkit for Countering Violent Extremism
The RAND Program Evaluation Toolkit for Countering Violent Extremism uses checklists, worksheets, and templates to help programs assess whether their activities have met their goals and identify needed improvements.
Mar 13, 2017
Report
Assessing the Use of Employment Screening for Sexual Assault Prevention
This report reviews employment screening policies and procedures to assess how helpful these may be for Air Force sexual assault prevention efforts and also reviews self-reporting of behaviors, background checks, and personality tests.
Mar 9, 2017
Report
The Russian "Firehose of Falsehood" Propaganda Model: Why It Might Work and Options to Counter It
Since its 2008 incursion into Georgia, there has been a remarkable evolution in Russia's approach to propaganda. Effective solutions can be found in the same psychology literature that explains the Russian propaganda model's surprising success.
Jul 11, 2016
Report
A Review of the Literature on Sexual Assault Perpetrator Characteristics and Behaviors
This report aims to assist the Air Force in its continued efforts to combat sexual assault perpetration within its ranks through an examination of the existing empirical literature on adult perpetrators who commit sexual assault against other adults.
Jan 5, 2016
Report
Considerations for Integrating Women into Closed Occupations in U.S. Special Operations Forces
This report assesses challenges for unit cohesion from integrating women into special operations forces and provides analytical support for validating occupational standards for positions controlled by U.S. Special Operations Command.
Dec 16, 2015
Journal Article
Assessing and Evaluating DoD Inform, Influence, and Persuade Efforts: Guidance for Practitioners
This article aims to establish effective principles and best practices for the assessment of IIP efforts from across sectors and distill them for future application in DoD.
Oct 22, 2015
Tool
A Commander's Guide to Hazing Prevention
This tool provides a short overview of hazing for military commanders and was derived from research documented in Hazing in the U.S. Armed Forces: Recommendations for Hazing Prevention Policy and Practice.
Aug 11, 2015
Report
Hazing in the U.S. Armed Forces: Recommendations for Hazing Prevention Policy and Practice
This report addresses ways to improve the armed forces' definition of hazing, the effects of and motivations for hazing, how the armed forces can prevent and respond to hazing, and how the armed forces can improve the tracking of hazing incidents.
Aug 11, 2015
Journal Article
Assessing and Evaluating DoD Inform, Influence, and Persuade Efforts: Guidance for Practitioners
The Most Informative Results for DoD IIP Efforts Come from the Intersection of Academic Evaluation and Public Communications.
Jul 8, 2015
Report
Assessing and Evaluating Department of Defense Efforts to Inform, Influence, and Persuade: An Annotated Reading List
To help broaden the expertise of U.S. Department of Defense assessment personnel and stakeholders, RAND produced a reading list for self-study in best assessment practices across a range of sectors.
Apr 17, 2015
Report
Assessing and Evaluating Department of Defense Efforts to Inform, Influence, and Persuade: Desk Reference
The U.S. Department of Defense has struggled to assess the progress and effectiveness of its information operations. Best practices across sectors can guide the assessment of these activities and ensure that they help meet national security goals.
Apr 17, 2015
Report
Assessing and Evaluating Department of Defense Efforts to Inform, Influence, and Persuade: Handbook for Practitioners
This handbook compiles strong assessment practices and examples from a range of sectors in an easy-to-navigate format for personnel responsible for planning and assessing inform, influence, and persuade efforts in the U.S. Department of Defense.
Apr 17, 2015
Report
Improving the Timeliness of Equal Employment Opportunity Complaint Processing in Department of Defense
The Department of Defense should process formal discrimination complaints within 180 days of filing. However, many of these complaints are not processed within this time frame. This report provides information to help address this lag.
Feb 6, 2015