ERICA
BOOTHBY
Uncovering the Hidden Dynamics
of Social Connection
We all have blind spots in our social lives—gaps in understanding how others truly perceive us. These hidden assumptions silently shape our decisions, relationships, and the opportunities we pursue or let slip away. Erica’s research reveals that our interpretations of social situations are often distorted by bias and misperception, creating barriers to meaningful connection and collaboration.
Erica explores these blind spots and their profound effects on everything from self-confidence to relationships and careers. By understanding these dynamics, individuals and teams can build stronger, more inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and heard. Through relatable insights and actionable strategies, Erica’s work shows how recognizing your social blind spots can enhance your self-awareness, strengthen your relationships, and make you more impactful at work. When we bridge the gap between how we think we’re perceived and how others actually see us, we unlock the potential for deeper connection, better collaboration, and greater success in all areas of life.
Yale
University
Ph.D. Social Psychology
Senior Lecturer
Wharton
University of Pennsylvania
A Bit About Erica
Erica takes a multi-method approach, using laboratory, longitudinal, online, and dyadic experiments, as well as field experiments and interventions in partnership with organizations. Ultimately, her work aims to improve people's social lives, in the workplace and beyond. Some of Erica's research interests are: early-stage relationship development (e.g., meeting colleagues, making friends), diversity in networking, metaperception, conversation, shared experience, and prosocial behavior.
Her work aims to advance our understanding of human behavior while having direct implications for the kinds of real-world challenges people face every day in their roles as friends, romantic partners, colleagues, managers, and consumers. Erica's research has been published in top academic journals, including Psychological Science, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, and Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, and has featured in media outlets such as Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, National Public Radio, and The Washington Post. Her work was recently covered extensively on NPR's Hidden Brain.
RESEARCH
Having conversations with new people is an important and rewarding part of social life. Yet. . .
Research shows that people disproportionately initiate and pursue deeper relationships with those who are similar. . .
People-watching is an age-old pastime. People notice and observe the people around them all the. . .
People spend much of their lives in the company of other people, often engaging in. . .
Publications
Negotiation (Forthcoming)
2025 | Handbook of Social Psychology
Schweitzer, Krueger, Boothby, & Cooney
More Real Together: Conversation Enhances Realness Through Shared Reality (Under Review)
Under Review
Rossignac-Milon, Boothby, Clark, Pinelli, & Higgins
A New Look at Homophily: People Underestimate the Extent to Which Dissimilar Others Are Interested in Talking to Them (Under Review)
Under Review
Cooney, Boothby, & Schweitzer
Pessimistic assessments of ability in informal conversation
2023 | Journal of Applied Social Psychology
Welker, Walker, Boothby, & Gilovich
Recent Media
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT ERICA
Student
The Wharton School
Dr. Boothby is the best professor I have ever had. It is so apparent that she puts so much time and effort into this course. She is kind, thought-provoking, and always encourages participation. I have learned so much in this course, and have grown not only in knowledge but have seen so much personal growth as a result of the negotiations course. I cannot express how much I recommend this course to anyone, in fact I have recommended it numerous times because it is the best class I have ever taken. Cannot express how much gratitude I have for this course and for professor Boothby.
Student
The Wharton School
This is one of my favorite courses I have taken at Penn. Prof Boothby was fantastic in organizing and running the course. The weekly simulations were fun and provided a great learning opportunity. This skills learned in this course will help me throughout my career.
Student
The Wharton School
So many people recommend this class and I can tell why. This was such a fun class where I actually learned real-world skills. Every class /negotiation was so much fun and so interesting. Professor Boothby was an amazing instructor and I loved being a student in her class. She is honestly the best!
Student
The Wharton School
My favorite class I have ever taken at Wharton!! I felt like everything I learned in this class I will continue to use in my own life and professional endeavors. I was able to learn how to use all concepts taught in class in ways that I think helped me retain them.
Kimberly McNally, MN, RN, BCC
Executive coach & governance consultant
As a facilitator for the Washingston State Hospital Association's Women's Healthcare Leadership Program, I had the pleasure of observing Erica's virtual workshop titled "Insights on Empowered Negotiation". She provided excellent content to the participants and engaged them effectively in small group work. Participants commented on the role play practices and debriefs as one of the highlights of the workshop!
Student
The Wharton School
Professor Boothby is the best! You can tell how much she cares about her student and the course. Class discussions were extremely insightful and I would highly recommend this course.
CONTACT me
Lets talk about research, workshops, talks, and more.
GET IN T UCH
If you're interested in booking Erica for an event, workshop, consulting, or collaborating as a social science researcher, let's talk.
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