In my research, I investigate how real characteristics of people's social environment, like opportunity structures, are perceived, interpreted, and can be reframed to influence cognition and motivation. I draw particular focus upon the ways that youth think about barriers and facilitators to future economic success, which can be directly linked to their everyday choices and educational outcomes. In addition to laboratory research, this work includes field experiments and assessments of subtle social psychological interventions amongst youth in diverse socioeconomic backgrounds
