John D. Rich Jr. Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Psychology
Room 252, Delaware Hall
1200 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901
Phone: 302.857.6667
Email: jrich [at] desu.edu

EDUCATION

RESEARCH

Dr. Rich’s research interests are twofold: 1) The use of learner-centered assessments to improve retention and deepen understanding of course material; 2) The psychology of humor - analyzing comedic material in order to understand how humor functions, how/why/when it works, and what purpose it serves at an individual and social level.

PUBLICATIONS

Rich, J. (in progress). A content analysis of contemporary standup comedy: Humor is often very serious. To be submitted to the International Journal of Humor.

Rich, J. (in progress). The three main theories of humor as they are utilized in the sitcom “Louie.” To be submitted to the International Journal of Humor.

Rich, J., Manning, R. and Cage, B. (2015). Feminist pedagogy in the classroom. Psychology Today online journal. 

Rich, J., Manning, R. and Cage, B. (2015). Inspiring critical thinking in classrooms. Psychology Today online journal.

Rich, J., Owens, D., Johnson, S., Mines, D. and Capote, K. (2014). Some strategies for reducing social loafing in group projects. Global Journal of Human Social Sciences, 14.

Rich, J., Colon, A., Mines, D. and Jivers, K. (2014). Creating learner-centered assessment strategies for promoting greater student retention and class participation. Frontiers in Psychology, 5.

Rich, J., Dover A., Gordon, A., Gray, K., Morse, P. and Overton, W. (2014). “Deductive reasoning: The use of the selection task to measure educational interventions. European Science Journal, 10, 14-36.

Rich, J. (2011). A pilot study of learner-centered assessments: Giving students control over what they learn. Review of higher education and self learning, 4, 67-75.

Rich, J. (2011). Assessments that increase class participation and improve deeper thinking about course material International handbook of academic research and teaching, 15, 265-8.

Rich, J. (2011). Declaration of Independence a challenge to America. Dover Post. July 20 edition.

Rich, J. (2011). Disciplining our children without corporal punishment. Parenting Plus. August 2011 edition, p. 10.

Rich, J. (2011). Fourth of July can inspire us to be a better country. Dover Post. June 15 edition.

Rich, J. (2011). The impact of knowledge and magnitude of criteria on deductive reasoning performance. International handbook of academic research and teaching, 15, 224-8.

Rich, J. (2011). Learner-centered assessments can double as learning experiences: Creating tests that teach. Conference proceedings for the 38th annual Lilly Conference on College and University Teaching and Learning.

Rich, J. (2011). Patriotism is slavery. Jesus radicals journal. 

Rich, J. (2011). Paying students for grades: Theoretical support. International handbook of academic research and teaching, 15, 253-8.

Rich, J. (2011). The relationship between deductive reasoning ability, test anxiety and standardized test scores in a Latino sample. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 33, 261-277.

Rich, J. (2011). Symbolic actions for confronting the powers: The Gospels. Jesus radicals journal. 

Rich, J. (2011). Symbolic actions for confronting the powers: The Prophets. Jesus radicals journal. 

Rich, J. (2011). The use of pecuniary incentives for academic performance. Journal of applied global research, 4, 35-44.

Rich, J. (2011). What would Jesus do? Jesus radicals journal. 

Rich, J. (2010). Assessments that increase class participation and improve deeper thinking about course material. Conference proceedings for the 40th annual conference of the International Society for Exploring Teaching and Learning.

Rich, J. (2009). No, Virginia, there is no you-know-who. Philadelphia Inquirer. December 15 edition.

Rich, J. (2009). No, Virginia, There Is No Santa Claus. (2008). Dover Post. November 26 edition.

Rich, J. (2008, November 28). Kidding Kids: Why we shouldn’t teach our children about Santa Claus. Bucks County Courier Times.

Rich, J. and Weisberg, R. (2004). Creating All in the Family: A case study in creative thinking. Creativity Research Journal, 16, 247-59.