Alexa Hepburn

Alexa Hepburn, PhD, is professor emerita of communication at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. She has published widely on the science of human interaction, as well as on developments in discursive and critical psychology. Dr. Hepburn’s research focuses on the use and development of conversation analytic methods, including the notation and analysis of emotional expression within social interaction; the interactional role of interrogatives such as tag questions; parents’ strategies for managing their children’s behavior; and the empirical grounding of these interests in everyday interaction. Her work highlights limitations in more traditional perspectives on emotion and influence, and supports applied work in professional client encounters including medical consultations, and helpline interactions. Dr. Hepburn also continues to develop and deliver training workshops to practitioners.