Meet the Team

James A. Graham, PhD

Education

PhD, The University of Memphis

MS, The University of Memphis

BA, Miami University (OH)

Scholarship

My scholarship focuses on the social-cognitive aspects of peer relationships among school children (K - 5) from both molar (peer group) and molecular (dyads) perspectives. There are 3 interdependent dimensions of my research program: 

One branch examines populations that are typically understudied, conceptually limited, and methodologically constrained in research (i.e., African-American children, children of incarcerated parents).

A second branch centers on children’s development of empathy and prosocial behavior with peer groups and friends across childhood. 

An additional focus of my work is establishing developmental science in the context of community-engaged research partnerships.

Research Interests

  • Empathy and prosocial behavior in peer relationships and friendships
  • Social development in understudied populations
  • Community-based research partnerships and program evaluation