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Senior Lecturer

Email ana.stojanov@otago.ac.nzAna Stojanov image (2023)

Originally from Macedonia, Ana completed an MPhil in Psychology and Education at the University of Cambridge and a PhD at the University of Otago, where she explored why people believe conspiracy theories.

Ana’s research broadly centres on using experimental methods to understand human behaviour, particularly in relation to misinformation, science denial, and science communication. She has published work on a range of topics, including how people respond to COVID-19 communications, the psychological underpinnings of conspiracy beliefs, and the potential of generative AI, such as ChatGPT, in acting as a science communicator for controversial topics. In 2020, her research on conspiracy theories received recognition from Wiley as the most cited and downloaded article. She has also written popular science articles and opinion pieces and appears regularly on podcasts, radio and TV interviews.

Ana is eager to support postgraduate students on their journeys in science communication. She additionally welcomes inquiries regarding potential PhD research projects.

Outside of work, Ana enjoys catching up with friends in Macedonia, playing board games with her family, and going for walks.

Current teaching

SCOM419 Special Topic: Key Voices in Science Communication (Semester 1)

Research interests

  • Science denialism
  • Conspiracy beliefs and public trust
  • Trust in scientists
  • Correcting misinformation
  • The role of artificial intelligence in science literacy
  • Crisis communication
  • Unconventional beliefs and scientific reasoning

Potential postgraduate projects

I am interested in hearing from prospective PhD students, particularly those keen to conduct research using experimental methods.

Current PhD students

Yan Yang – "The Development and Validation of the Scale of Argumentation Competence"

Publications

Stojanov, A. (2026). Do participant-matched LLM personas approximate human survey data? Personality & Individual Differences, 261, 113915. doi: 10.1016/j.paid.2026.113915 Journal - Research Article

Yang, Y., Stojanov, A., & Daniel, B. K. (2026). Measuring reflective thinking in research-based learning: A scale development and initial validation study. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/02602938.2026.2671201 Journal - Research Article

Stojanov, A., Koh, J. H. L., & Liu, Q. (2026). ChatGPT for learning: Students' perspectives, opportunities, challenges, and academic integrity concerns. In B. K. Daniel, L. Sheridan & N. Wierdak (Eds.), Artificial intelligence and academic integrity: Navigating ethical challenges of AI in education. (pp. 301-317). Singapore: Springer Nature. doi: 10.1007/978-981-95-1875-3_17 Chapter in Book - Research

Hannawa, A. F., Guerrero, L. K., & Stojanov, A. (2026). Navigating interpersonal conflict during the COVID-19 pandemic: Associations with indicators of psychological well-being. Health Communication. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/10410236.2026.2631656 Journal - Research Article

Yang, Y., & Stojanov, A. (2025). The use of artificial intelligence in supporting reflective practice among higher education students: A systematic review of empirical research. Proceedings of the Higher Education Research & Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) Annual Conference. 171. Retrieved from https://conference.herdsa.org.au/2025 Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

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