James Cornwell

Dr. James Cornwell is the Director of Research and Associate Professor of Psychology at Wheaton College’s School of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Therapy. His research is broadly focused on how we establish what is right—both in terms of “moral” and “correct”—and on how we achieve a life that is good—both in terms of “happy” and “ethical.” This has involved projects relating to moral judgment, ethical decision-making, character development, virtues and vices, religiosity, prejudice, and moral injury. His work generally frames these processes in terms of motivation, and intersects with work in philosophy, religion, organizational behavior, and sociology.

Dr. Cornwell earned a B.A. in Psychology and Politics from New York University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology (with a focus on social psychology) from Columbia University. Prior to joining the faculty at Wheaton College, Dr. Cornwell taught in the psychology and management programs for seven years at the United States Military Academy at West Point.