He is most noted for his research on ostracism and has developed unique methods to study the processes and consequences.
Williams has conducted research in several areas, including aggression, group processes and close relationships.
However, he has specific research topics that include ostracism, social loafing and social compensation, internet research, stealing thunder, which is a specific tactic used to deflate any negative impact of changing a person's testimony, law and psychology.
He believes that an individual's emotions, subsequent social susceptibility, and motivations are all impacted when that person is ostracized.
He has a free downloadable program called “Cyberball,” which can be used in research to study issues that surround ostracism.