Anna Moore

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Anna Moore is a leading researcher in social cognition, with a particular focus on the psychological mechanisms underlying anthropomorphic thinking. Her work explores how sociality motivation—the fundamental human need for social connection—shapes the way people attribute human-like mental states to non-human agents, including pets, technology, and even natural phenomena. Her most-cited paper, "Sociality Motivation and Anthropomorphic Thinking about Pets" (2014, 38 citations), provides foundational evidence that individuals experiencing social disconnection are more likely to perceive animals as possessing human-like thoughts and emotions. This research has significant implications for understanding loneliness, human-animal relationships, and the design of socially interactive technologies. Moore’s contributions have been widely recognized for bridging social psychology and cognitive science, offering a nuanced perspective on how unmet social needs influence perception and belief. Her work continues to inform studies on empathy, attachment, and the psychological benefits of pet ownership, making her a key figure in the study of social motivation and its cognitive consequences.