Colin Scott, Ph.D

Education

Ph.D., Political Science, McGill University
MA, Applied Social Psychology, University of Guelph
MA, Political Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland
BA, Psychology & Political Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Research interests

My research is primarily focused on the political psychology and comparative politics of democratic citizenship. I work on issues related to social cohesion and intergroup relations, immigration, and political participation.

I am especially interested in topics related to migrant integration and settlement, identity and nationalism, and the foundations of political attitudes and behaviours. 

Applied social and behavioural sciences

In addition to my academic research, I am interested in supporting organizations in applying social and behavioural science insights and methodologies to address pressing social issues, especially in areas related to migration, civic engagement, and community development.

Together with partners in government and civil society, I have supported organizations in Canada and Latin America (Guatemala) to develop evidence-based policy analysis, program evaluations, and communication campaigns. 

Supervision

I am interested in supervising students and post-doctoral researchers in Canadian or comparative politics and interested broadly in questions related to public opinion, political behaviour, or behavioural public policy/administration.

Courses taught

Fall 2025
POLI 429: Political Socialization in Canadian and Comparative Perspectives

Additional courses taught
POLI 634: Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation
POLI 644: Quantitative Research Methods
POLI 393: Quantitative Research Methods 

Peer-reviewed publications (select)

Chassé, P., Jacques, O., & Scott, C. (2024). Between decentralization and asymmetry: Explaining preferences toward the division of power in Canada. Publius: The Journal of Federalism.

Scott, C., Bilodeau, A., Gagnon, A., & Turgeon, L. (2024). Minority affirmations and the boundaries of the nation: Evidence from Québec. Political Studies.

Soehl, T., Stolle, D., & Scott, C (2023). The politics left behind: How pre-migration and migration experiences shape Syrian refugees’ interest in home-country politics. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 50(4): 914-935.

Medeiros, M., Öhberg, P., & Scott, C. (2023). Are personality traits related to politicians' positions on immigration? Representation, 60(3): 483-506.

Bilodeau, A. & Scott, C. (2023). Gender gaps in immigrants’ political participation within and across borders: Political socialization or opportunity structure? Journal of Immigrant and Refugee Studies.

Safdar, S., Mahali, S. C., & Scott, C. (2023). A critical review of multiculturalism and interculturalism as integration frameworks: The case of Canada. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 93: 101756

Scott, C. (2022). Supporting the right to wear religious symbols: The importance of perceived commitment to the nation. Politics & Religion, 16(1): 90-109.

Scott, C. & Medeiros, M. (2021). Personality and political careers: What personality types are likely to run for office and get elected? Personality and Individual Differences, 152: 109600.

For a complete list of my research outputs, visit my website or see my Google Scholar profile.

Roles

• Assistant Editor, International Journal of Intercultural Relations 
• Section Chair, International & Cross-Cultural Psychology, Canadian Psychological Association