Foundations of Reason and Meaning (psychFORM) is a research lab that works directly with individuals across age groups to examine widely discussed perspectives on psychological development through participants’ experiences, beliefs, and sources of meaning. The lab was founded at the University of Michigan after an apparent disconnect emerged between the positions students expressed collectively during campus protests and the beliefs they reported privately in individual interviews. This discrepancy prompted an important developmental examination of how group settings, social expectations, and institutional environments may shape the relationship between privately held beliefs and public expression.
All studies conducted through psychFORM are developed and authored by Kevin Waldman, Principal Investigator, who leads a team of trained graduate student researchers responsible for data collection and analysis. Each study is conducted in accordance with approved institutional review board (IRB) protocols and established ethical standards for research involving human participants.
Kevin Waldman, Founder / Principal Investigator
Kevin Waldman is a therapist and Principal Investigator of psychFORM, LLC, where his work integrates clinical practice with psychological research. His research examines the psychological dynamics of identity, social influence, institutional culture, and human behavior, with a particular focus on how social and organizational environments shape belief formation, self-concept, decision-making, and psychological well-being. His work is guided by the belief that meaningful psychological research should not only advance scientific understanding, but also inspire clinical practice and improve the lives of individuals and families.
His experience spans university research laboratories, correctional institutions, Division I athletic programs, and extensive qualitative engagement with individuals across academic and community settings. This breadth of experience informs a research approach grounded in direct observation, clinical insight, and sustained engagement with participants, allowing him to investigate psychological phenomena as they unfold in everyday life rather than solely in laboratory settings.
Kevin has worked in the mental health field since 2016 and is certified to conduct human subjects research in accordance with established ethical and regulatory standards.
Kevin founded psychFORM, LLC. as a project while studying at the University of Michigan in 2023.
Reclaiming Psychological Science
Our Mission
Restore intellectual honesty to psychological research through rigorous methodology and transparent practices.
Our Approach
Integrative research, combining clinical insights with sociological and philosophical perspectives.
Foster Community Engagement
Join us in advancing transparency, honesty, and intellectual courage in psychological science—help us connect people, data, and ideas for positive change.