Clinical Labs

The Action Research Group (ARG)
(Faculty Investigator: Roderick Watts)

The Action Research Group (ARG) is involved in a variety of activities associated with liberation psychology, youth sociopolitical development, and African American men's development. The common aim among ARG projects is to integrate clinical and community psychology theory and better understand how personal well-being is related to social identities, social oppression, and liberation behavior. The emphasis is on the collaborative development of interventions that address social justice as well as psychological functioning. One of the major efforts now underway is the Youth in Action study, for which we are recruiting high school students for a study of community involvement and activism. Research questions include: (1) What life experiences lead to an interest in community involvement, particularly social activism among young people? (2) How is activism related to social identity? (3) Is sociopolitical development related to social competence and psychological adjustment?

Anxiety Research and Treatment (ART) Laboratory
(Faculty Investigator: Page Anderson)

A primary focus of the Anxiety Research and Treatment (ART) Lab is clinical outcome research for the treatment of anxiety disorders. One line of research investigates the use of virtual reality as a tool for exposure therapy and has been applied to specific phobias and social anxiety disorder. Another area of interest is the relation between culture and social anxiety.

Behavioral Science Laboratory
(Faculty Investigator: Dominic Parrott)

The overarching aim of the Behavioral Science Laboratory is to identify individuals who are most likely to engage in aggressive behavior as well as the environmental conditions that facilitate their aggression. As such, clinical and social psychological research in the lab examines a wide variety of risk factors for aggression. Of particular clinical interest, we are interested in evaluating the effects of acute alcohol intoxication, ones substance use history, and cognitive processes on aggression. Of similar interest in the social realm are the effects of personality and attitudinal constructs (e.g., prejudice) and situational and/or social cues on the perpetration of aggression. Current studies include: 1) Examining several hypothesized moderators of the relation between sexual prejudice and antigay violence, including acute alcohol intoxication, masculinity, gender role violations, psychopathy, and the influence of ones peers, and 2) Elucidating individual difference and situational risk factors for alcohol-related aggression.

The Child Health and Medical Pain (CHAMP) Laboratory
(Faculty Investigator: Lindsey L. Cohen)

Pediatric Psychology research in the CHAMP lab examines topics that overlap the disciplines of medicine and child psychology. Issues such as adherence to medical regimens and family functioning around a chronic illness are explored. The central focus of the CHAMP lab is to investigate childrens medical procedures (e.g., injections, venipuncture). Goals in this line of study are both practical and theoretical. From an applied perspective, Dr. Cohen develops and thoroughly evaluates practical interventions that will decrease distress and increase coping for children, parents, and medical staff during painful pediatric procedures. Based more in theory, Dr. Cohen examines the array of inter- and intra-personal variables present during these stressful events. All of the CHAMP lab projects involve interdisciplinary collaboration with professionals in medical clinics, hospitals, and pediatricians offices in the Atlanta area.

Clinical Neuropsychology Laboratories
(Faculty Investigators: Tricia King, Mary Morris, Robin Morris, Diana Robins, Erin McClure Tone)

Our labs share the goal of investigating cognitive and emotional functions in humans using several methodologies including functional neuroimaging, psychophysiology, experimental cognitive tasks, and traditional clinical neuropsychological assessment measures. We have interests in learning more about the biological, psychological and social-environmental processes underlying developmental disorders and acquired neurological conditions across the lifespan. Therefore we are committed to clinical research in the field of developmental neuropsychology. Our goals are to advance our understanding of brain-behavior relationships, and to further the development of empirically validated classification criteria, reliable and valid assessment measures and effective intervention strategies for these clinical populations. The majority of our projects are collaborative efforts.

The following projects are ongoing in our labs:

1. An investigation to identify biopsychosocial predictors of optimal functioning in long-term survivors of childhood brain tumors (T. King & R. Morris);
2. Studies of predictors of functioning in adults and children treated for dyslexia (R. Morris);
3. Functional imaging studies of the neural substrate associated with component reading processes and the impact of treatment on patterns of brain activation during reading tasks (R. Morris);
4. Functional imaging and psychophysiological studies of the neural basis of emotional regulation and memory, and the impact of temporal lobectomy on these processes (T. King);
5. An intervention study comparing several treatment strategies implemented in a classroom setting and assessing their impact on post-treatment brain function (R. Morris);
6. Cognitive profiles, reading achievement, developmental trajectories and response to intervention in bilingual children (R. Morris);
7. Patterns of neuropsychological strengths and deficits and comorbid psychiatric disorders in adults with developmental learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (M. Morris);
8. Tactile discrimination deficits in adult dyslexics on tasks that demand serial/sequential processing (M. Morris);
9. Developmental trajectories of children diagnosed with brain tumors (T. King);
10. Early detection of autism spectrum disorder (D. Robins);
11. Psychophysiological and functional neuroimaging studies of emotion perception in autism spectrum disorders (D. Robins & T. King); and
12. Functional neuroimaging and behavioral studies of mood and anxiety disorders across early development and young adulthood (E. McClure Tone).

For more information, please see our individual faculty web pages.

El Centro: National Latino Research Center on Domestic Violence
(Faculty Investigator: Julia Perilla)

El Centro is a national research center on domestic violence in Latino communities. It is part of the National Latino Alliance to Eliminate Domestic Violence, an organization sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services. El Centro was established in response to the need for culturally relevant and appropriate research that would assist in the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and initiatives on the issue of domestic violence among Latinos. Its mission is three-fold: (1) to promote culturally appropriate research and evaluation regarding the issue of domestic violence in Latino communities; (2) to mentor and serve as a resource for Latino and Latina researchers and other researchers interested in the issue of domestic violence in our population; and (3) to maintain an ongoing dialogue between practitioners and service providers regarding relevant research topics that address emerging needs in our communities.

Empowerment Implementation Research Lab (EIRL)
(Faculty Investigator: Kelly M. Lewis)

The Empowerment Implementation Research Lab (EIRL) is involved in a variety of activities associated with empowerment implementation research including program design, implementation, evaluation, capacity building, and sustainability with a particular focus on cultural/heritage knowledge development, Diaspora literacy, emancipatory pedagogy, global education, and health and educational disparities.  All EIRL projects integrate clinical and community psychology, education and public health theory and practice as well as participatory and empowerment methodology into understanding and changing large systems and initiatives that impact individuals.  One of the major efforts underway is the Teachers EXCEL project, for which we are currently investigating the feasibility of developing and pilot testing a teacher professional education component of Project EXCEL (Ensuring eXcellence through Communalism, African Education, and Leadership) designed in our earlier work.   Much of our work is done in collaboration with Dr. Joyce King, Benjamin E. Mays Chair in the Department of Educational Policy, College of Education at GSU, and other national and international professionals in education, public health, and business. 

Families and Disabilities Research
(Faculty Investigator: Frank Floyd)

Our group is engaged in three longitudinal investigations of adaptation in families of children with mental retardation and other disabilities. The goal of this work is to understand how family interactions and family relationships (marital, parent-child, sibling) are influenced by raising a child who has disabilities, and how family adaptation influences the psychosocial adjustment of the child and the well-being of all family members. These investigations include (1) a 12-year follow-up to evaluate long-term outcomes and the transition to adolescence and young adulthood for children with disabilities and their families, (2) a longitudinal investigation at two sites in Atlanta and in North Carolina that examines linkages between family and peer relationships during middle-to-late childhood, and (3) a study of the life-course effects of non-normative parenting experiences for participants in a large-scale longitudinal investigation that examines development in educational, occupational, parental, and marital roles from age 18 though the early 60s.

Family Traumatology Team
(Faculty Investigator: Greg Jurkovic)

The Family Traumatology Team conducts research and applied activities from an ecosystemic and existential-ethical perspective related to the understanding, prevention, and treatment of acute, post- and secondary trauma and chronic stress of children and families. Populations of particular interest include indigenous and refugee groups affected by war and other stressors, juvenile offenders, and child victims of maltreatment. Current projects focus on: 1) the moderating role of socio-familial factors, particularly filial responsibility, in the relationship between trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress symptomatology; 2) the development of a measure of trauma exposure and treatment protocol for underserved youths; 3) an innovative mentoring program for refugee children and their families; 4) the development of culturally sensitive mental health services for the refugee community.

HIV and Families Laboratory
(Faculty Investigator: Lisa Armistead)

The HIV and Families Lab empirically examines issues at the intersection of HIV and families. The research team is currently part of a randomized clinical trial, taking place at multiple sites around the country, including Georgia State University. Specifically, the Parents Matter! Program is a prevention intervention designed to help parents of elementary school-aged children employ parenting and communication strategies that protect children from facing a variety of health risks, including HIV/AIDS. Additionally, the research team is involved in studies examining the impact of maternal HIV infection on parenting and, ultimately, child functioning. Most recently, the team is looking for opportunities to expand both areas of research to the international arena.

Community Labs

Click here for info about the GSU HIV/STD Project

Empowerment Implementation Research Lab (EIRL)
(Faculty Investigator: Kelly M. Lewis)

The Empowerment Implementation Research Lab (EIRL) is involved in a variety of activities associated with empowerment implementation research including program design, implementation, evaluation, capacity building, and sustainability with a particular focus on cultural/heritage knowledge development, Diaspora literacy, emancipatory pedagogy, global education, and health and educational disparities.  All EIRL projects integrate clinical and community psychology, education and public health theory and practice as well as participatory and empowerment methodology into understanding and changing large systems and initiatives that impact individuals.  One of the major efforts underway is the Teachers EXCEL project, for which we are currently investigating the feasibility of developing and pilot testing a teacher professional education component of Project EXCEL (Ensuring eXcellence through Communalism, African Education, and Leadership) designed in our earlier work.   Much of our work is done in collaboration with Dr. Joyce King, Benjamin E. Mays Chair in the Department of Educational Policy, College of Education at GSU, and other national and international professionals in education, public health, and business. 

Laboratory of Health Promotion Research and Intervention
(Faculty Investigator: John Peterson)

Laboratory of Health Promotion Research and Intervention focuses on applied research and experimental interventions designed to reduce high-risk behaviors that may impair physical and mental health. The HIV behavioral research program attempts to understand the determinants of high-risk sexual behavior and the components of randomized community interventions that are most effective to reduce HIV transmission. Also, the anti-gay violence research program examines how sexual prejudice and social attitudes or beliefs may affect antigay violence and discrimination.

Social Ecology and Development Laboratory

Our lab is engaged in a range of applied and basic research projects generally focused on understanding how social context affects child and adolescent development. One line of research focuses on the immigration context and addresses how the experience of Latin American immigration to the US affects family functioning, the development of identity, and social, psychological and school adjustment. A further question which we hope to begin exploring is how the immigrant experience may differ for young people who arrive to emerging immigrant communities, such as Atlanta, GA as compared to established immigrant communities, such as Los Angeles, CA. A second line of research focuses on the potential of comprehensive interventions designed to promote positive youth development to alter the developmental trajectories of children living in situations of high risk (e.g., poor and/or dangerous neighborhoods). By evaluating the Cool Girls, Inc program we are able to examine the potential for reducing risky behavior (e.g., substance use and teen pregnancy) and increasing competencies (e.g., decision-making skills, intrinsic motivation) in girls who participate in a comprehensive program offering after school academic enrichment, a life skills curriculum, mentoring, as well as field trips and cultural activities.

Developmental Labs

Child & Adolescent Development Research Group Our research team studies the social, motivational and academic adjustment of diverse groups of children and adolescents from an ecological perspective. Specific focus is placed on the neighborhood and family contexts, and on following children and adolescents longitudinally over important educational and developmental transitions. Current projects include ongoing data collection as well as secondary analysis of large data sets (e.g., The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health). For more information contact Chris Henrich. Communication Across the Lifespan Lab               The Communication Across the Lifespan Lab houses the Toddler Language Intervention Project.  The lab provides facilities for participant/observation studies of communication interactions.  It contains a reception area appropriate for young children, one observation/child assessment room with one-way viewing mirror, video recording equipment, developmental, language and communication assessment tools, equipment for viewing and coding videotape materials, library resources for families of children with disabilities, and computers for data entry and analyses.  There is also meeting and workspace for project staff and graduate and undergraduate students.  The rooms are flexibly equipped and can be appropriate for ages ranging from toddlers to adults. Gesture and Language Laboratory (Faculty Investigator: Şeyda Özçalışkan) Research in my laboratory focuses on children’s emerging linguistic abilities and examines whether precursors of these abilities can be found in children’s gestures.  More specifically, we examine whether and how gesture can inform us about language learning, from the onset of first words and first sentences to the emergence of first metaphors. We approach this question from a wide variety of angles by studying both typically- and atypically-developing children, as well as children who are exposed to structurally different languages.
Learning and Development Lab Our research examines cognitive development across ages, with a specific focus on how toddlers and preschool-aged children learn through imitation. We use experimental methods to test when and how children seek out and use others’ examples and what types of information they learn through observation. Our goal is to identify general trends in learning and development that can be applied across situations, ages and populations. For more information, please contact Rebecca Williamson. Observational Laboratory The Developmental Laboratory contains two observation rooms with one-way mirrors, video recording equipment, equipment used for viewing and coding videotaped material, a small library of developmental journals, and computers for recording and analyzing observational and other data. There is also meeting and work space for graduate students. Undergraudate practicum possibilities include coding of video tapes of mother-infant interaction. For more info contact Lauren Adamson or Roger Bakeman.
Symbol Acquisition Laboratory The Symbol Acquisition Laboratory houses studies on the acquisition and use of visual graphic symbols. The lab offers facilities for studies of symbol learning by children with a range of developmental profiles. It contains equipment for the generation and presentation of graphic symbols and other representational images. It includes work space and computer support for project staff and for graduate and undergraduate students.

Tracking Eye Movements and Vocabulary Acquisition (T.E.V.A.) Laboratory
(Faculty Investigator: Rihana Williams)

The T.E.V.A. Lab conducts experimental and applied research that is related to vocabulary development and reading comprehension. Research studies are conducted using eye movement monitoring (Eyelink 1000) and many traditional assessments of vocabulary and reading comprehension. Participants in ongoing studies include preschool, elementary school students, high school students, and college students. Current research projects are conducted in collaboration with other disciplines including Educational Psychology, Special Education, and Speech Language Pathology.

Neuropsychology and Behavioral Neuroscience Labs

Clinical Neuropsychology Laboratories
(Faculty Investigators: Tricia King, Mary Morris, Robin Morris, Diana Robins, Erin McClure Tone)

Our labs share the goal of investigating cognitive and emotional functions in humans using several methodologies including functional neuroimaging, psychophysiology, experimental cognitive tasks, and traditional clinical neuropsychological assessment measures. We have interests in learning more about the biological, psychological and social-environmental processes underlying developmental disorders and acquired neurological conditions across the lifespan. Therefore we are committed to clinical research in the field of developmental neuropsychology. Our goals are to advance our understanding of brain-behavior relationships, and to further the development of empirically validated classification criteria, reliable and valid assessment measures and effective intervention strategies for these clinical populations. The majority of our projects are collaborative efforts.

The following projects are ongoing in our labs:

1. An investigation to identify biopsychosocial predictors of optimal functioning in long-term survivors of childhood brain tumors (T. King & R. Morris);
2. Studies of predictors of functioning in adults and children treated for dyslexia (R. Morris);
3. Functional imaging studies of the neural substrate associated with component reading processes and the impact of treatment on patterns of brain activation during reading tasks (R. Morris);
4. Functional imaging and psychophysiological studies of the neural basis of emotional regulation and memory, and the impact of temporal lobectomy on these processes (T. King);
5. An intervention study comparing several treatment strategies implemented in a classroom setting and assessing their impact on post-treatment brain function (R. Morris);
6. Cognitive profiles, reading achievement, developmental trajectories and response to intervention in bilingual children (R. Morris);
7. Patterns of neuropsychological strengths and deficits and comorbid psychiatric disorders in adults with developmental learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (M. Morris);
8. Tactile discrimination deficits in adult dyslexics on tasks that demand serial/sequential processing (M. Morris);
9. Developmental trajectories of children diagnosed with brain tumors (T. King);
10. Early detection of autism spectrum disorder (D. Robins);
11. Psychophysiological and functional neuroimaging studies of emotion perception in autism spectrum disorders (D. Robins & T. King); and
12. Functional neuroimaging and behavioral studies of mood and anxiety disorders across early development and young adulthood (E. McClure Tone).

For more information, please see our individual faculty web pages.

Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience
(Faculty Investigator: Kim Huhman)

This laboratory studies behavioral changes that occur in response to exposure to psychological stress. We hope to delineate brain mechanisms that underlie these changes and to suggest ways in which maladaptive changes might be blocked or reversed. We use multiple levels of analysis from behavioral to molecular in order to answer these questions. The laboratory uses computerized behavioral analysis systems (Noldus Observer and Ethovision), stereotaxic surgery and intracranial microinjections, as well as immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and viral vector gene transfer.

Laboratory for the Neurobiological Study of Sociosexual Behavior
(Faculty Investigator: Aras Petrulis)

Our laboratory is interested in understanding the neural substrates of social behavior, in particular mechanisms underlying sexual attraction and individual recognition. We are also seek to define how, at a neural systems level, sex differences in sexual attraction are encoded. We use chemical or "pheromonal" communication in the golden hamster as our model for understanding these social recognition processes. The laboratory uses state-of-the-art electrophysiological techniques to record single neuron and ensemble activity in animals while they investigate social odors. In addition, behavioral, lesion, immunocytochemical and central injection methods are also used as a means of understanding the function of limbic area structures (amygdala, hypothalamus, hippocampus) in the regulation of adaptive social recognition.

Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Behavior
(Faculty Investigator: Elliott Albers)

The Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Behavior investigates the neural mechanisms that regulate circadian rhythms as well as the neural circuits that control social behaviors. The laboratory is well equipped with facilities that allow studies that range from the level of gene expression to behavior.

Laboratory for the Neuroethology of Social Behavior
(Faculty Investigator: Walter Wilczynski)

Research in my laboratory is in the area of neuroethology, the study of the neural basis of natural behavior. We focus on the neural and endocrine systems underlying animal communication and the role of communication signals in aggressive interactions and reproductive behavior. Using amphibians and reptiles as model systems, we use a multidisciplinary approach to investigating how communication signals, behavioral responses, and hormonal state are monitored and controlled by neural systems, and how in turn these neural systems are modified by social experience and the hormonal changes such experience triggers. Research projects in the lab often employ combinations of neuroanatomical, neuroendocrinological, neurophysiological, or behavioral techniques to gain a more complete understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying social behavior and its evolution.

Laboratory for the Study of Energy Balance and Metabolism
(Faculty Investigator: Tim Bartness)

This laboratory has state-of-the-art equipment for measuring hormones related to energy balance and reproductive status and for in vitro measurement of fat-cell metabolism and related metabolic events. It also has a high-pressure liquid chromatography system for measurement of neurotransmitters, microscopy and histology equipment for measurement of immunocytochemical peptide staining in the brain, a computer-controlled system for measuring 24h locomotor activity and oxygen consumption, and a system that permits either systemic or central infusions of hormones, peptides or pharmacological agents in freely-moving animals. Equipment for standard molecular biology assays also is present. We also specialize in the use of viral trans-synaptic tract tracers for defining complete circuits within an animal. Finally, a complete neurohistology facility within the lab exists for fluorescence, dark field, standard light microscopy, as well as equipment for in situ hybridization of gene expression for neuropeptides of interest. Thus, the levels of analysis include dddd\\behavioral,systems physiology, cell physiology and anatomy, neuroanatomy and molecular biology.

Neurobiology of Memory Laboratory
(Faculty Investigator: Marise Parent)

This laboratory combines a variety of neuropharmacological methods, including systemic and intracranial drug infusions, in vivo microdialysis, permanent and reversible lesions, and immunocytochemistry to investigate the brain systems and neurochemical processes that contribute to memory and memory dysfunction. The laboratory has a well-equipped surgical suite, which includes as a system capable of delivering anesthesia to four stereotaxes simultaneously, as well a mobile anesthesia system. There are also several apparatuses to assess learning, memory, and anxiety and a computerized behavioral analysis system (Ethovision). The lab is also equipped to perform in vivo microdialysis procedures during behavioral tests of learning and memory. A microplate reader is available to measure a variety of substances present in blood and brain samples and the laboratory is also outfitted with histological and immunocytochemical equipment to allow for visualization of brain tissue.

Social Neuroscience Laboratory

The Social Neuroscience Laboratory focuses on the reciprocal influences of the body and mind in the context of human social behavior. With this aim, lab members study emotional, cognitive, social, and physiological processes using a variety of methods. At present, the laboratory is capable of recording several autonomic measures (e.g., electrocardiography, skin conductance, respiration) as well as facial muscle movements (i.e., facial electromyography) while participants perform tasks on a computer, watch a video, or interact with another person. In addition, we will soon be conducting projects that will involve functional neuroimaging, electroencephalography (EEG), eye tracking, robotics, and non-human primates.

Sonny Carter Life Sciences Laboratory
(Faculty Investigator: David Washburn)

The SCLSL is a component of the Language Research Center, and provides facilities and apparatus for the study of cognitive processes across primate species. Humans, rhesus monkeys, and chimpanzees (with and without language training) can be tested on computerized versions of many standard assessment tasks from cognitive neuroscience. Apparatus for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial doppler sonography are also available for investigating functional cerebral asymmetries and other aspects of localization of cognitive function. Eye trackers / pupillometers (ISCAN, Inc.) are also available both on campus and at the SCLSL to allow investigators to relate variations these psychophysiological measures to cognitive performance.

Cognitive Sciences Labs

Behavioral Science Laboratory
(Faculty Investigator: Dominic Parrott)

The overarching aim of the Behavioral Science Laboratory is to identify individuals who are most likely to engage in aggressive behavior as well as the environmental conditions that facilitate their aggression. As such, clinical and social psychological research in the lab examines a wide variety of risk factors for aggression. Of particular clinical interest, we are interested in evaluating the effects of acute alcohol intoxication, ones substance use history, and cognitive processes on aggression. Of similar interest in the social realm are the effects of personality and attitudinal constructs (e.g., prejudice) and situational and/or social cues on the perpetration of aggression. Current studies include: 1) Examining several hypothesized moderators of the relation between sexual prejudice and antigay violence, including acute alcohol intoxication, masculinity, gender role violations, psychopathy, and the influence of ones peers, and 2) Elucidating individual difference and situational risk factors for alcohol-related aggression.

Comparative Economics and Behavioral Studies Lab
(Faculty Investigator: Sarah Brosnan)

This laboratory supports research on economic decision making and social cognition with primates at multiple sites (on the GSU main campus, at the Language Research Center, at MD Anderson Medical Center in Bastrop, TX, and other research facilities). Contact director Dr. Sarah Brosnan for more information.

CGS/VR : Cognitive Sciences Virtual Reality Lab
(Faculty contact: David Washburn)

A new virtual reality laboratory is available for studies of cognitive processes and social behavior. Wearable displays immerse participants in virtual environments where they may interact with avitars, navigate through space, or respond to simulated threats. The hardware provides automatic tracking of body position and movements in real space. A shared resource among SCG faculty researchers, this laboratory provides unique opportunities for studies in the intersection of cognitive and social psychology (e.g., how memory or shoot/dont-shoot decision making is affected by the appearance of simulated persons in the virtual world). Contact Dr. David Washburn for more information. 

Psychology of Voice and Sound (PsyVoSo) Laboratory
(Faculty Investigator: Michael J. Owren)

Research in the PsyVoSo Lab examines acoustics, perception, and function in human and nonhuman vocal behavior. An important premise across studies is that vocalizations "work" as communication not just because signals transmit symbolic, language-like information, but because sound can be used to induce affective responses in listeners-a simpler, but critical way in which signalers are able to influence listener behavior. The research thus focuses on nonlinguistic aspects of vocalization, including human laughter, vocal cues to characteristics such as gender, individual identity, and emotional state, and calls produced by nonhuman mammals. Primate calls are of particular interest, and work in the PsyVoSo Lab dovetails with auditory and cognitive testing of nonhuman primates at GSU's Language Research Center. These cross-species comparisons are critical in addressing general question about mammalian vocal evolution and about the evolution of human speech in particular. The PsyVoSo Lab provides facilities for state-of-the-art acoustic analysis, auditory testing in sound-attenuated rooms, and interactive experimental testing that probes affective and cognitive responses to both natural and synthesized versions of laughter, speech, primate vocalizations, and other sounds.

Social Neuroscience Laboratory

The Social Neuroscience Laboratory focuses on the reciprocal influences of the body and mind in the context of human social behavior. With this aim, lab members study emotional, cognitive, social, and physiological processes using a variety of methods. At present, the laboratory is capable of recording several autonomic measures (e.g., electrocardiography, skin conductance, respiration) as well as facial muscle movements (i.e., facial electromyography) while participants perform tasks on a computer, watch a video, or interact with another person. In addition, we will soon be conducting projects that will involve functional neuroimaging, electroencephalography (EEG), eye tracking, robotics, and non-human primates.

Social Cognition Laboratory
(Faculty Investigator: Tracie Stewart)

This laboratory investigates the causes, consequences, and processes associated with stereotyping and prejudice. Our goals are to better understand the mechanisms driving stereotyping and prejudice and to apply this increased understanding to the design of effective prejudice reduction interventions. This research is generally approached from a social cognitive perspective. The laboratory is equipped with six private computer stations for data collection: three computers in each of two lab rooms. The third lab room serves as a control room for experimenters and contains a seventh computer, printer, scanner, and digital recording equipment. Additional details about this research program are available on Tracie Stewarts Faculty Interests page.     

Individual Differences in Executive Attention (IDEA) Laboratory
(Faculty Investigator: David A. Washburn)

Researchers in the IDEA laboratory investigate attention and executive function and the ways in which these processes interact in the working memory system to influence higher-order cognitive abilities like learning and decision-making. Thus, we examine individual and group differences in the skills of attention, planning, and uncertainty monitoring to identify the relation between these mental abilities and the types of training that might improve them. Cross-species research is also ongoing to explore the emergence of executive attention in nonhuman primates. The IDEA laboratory is fully equipped with computers for automated testing of participants, eye-trackers/ pupillometers, psychophysiological instruments, and computer-interfaced response boxes for recording vocal and motor response latencies. Transcranial Doppler sonography apparatus is also available for relating behavior to brain using measures of cerebral blood flow using this noninvasive imaging technology. Student research opportunities include computerized testing of human and nonhuman primate participants in attention and decision-making experiments. This research may be supported by grants or contracts from the National Institutes of Health, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Georgia State University, and other foundations or agencies.

Human factors research internships at AT&T Telecommunications are also available to select graduate students. For more information on this or other research opportunities please contact Dr. David Washburn.

For other cognitive psychology research at GSU see the Language Research Center.

Memory and Eyewitness Accuracy Lab
(Faculty Investigator: Heather Kleider)

The primary focus of the research in this lab is investigations of episodic memory, with an emphasis on face recognition and eyewitness accuracy. We investigate the conditions and circumstances under which people make memory errors, with special interest in the heuristics and biases, such as stereotypes, that people employ when recollection is difficult.  We use two complementary approaches in our research:  First, we conduct traditional laboratory studies, examining memory for faces, words, and other stimuli. The majority of these studies are presented on the computer in a controlled environment. Second, we conduct studies with an applied interest, using live scenes to assess systematic perceptual biases and recollection errors and we look at the effects individual differences such as Working Memory Span have on memory for events. Together, our work in this lab incorporates both direct investigations of memory function and scientific applications of memory error as it relates to the judicial process. Interested parties should contact the lab director Dr. Heather Kleider for more information.

Sonny Carter Life Sciences Laboratory
(Faculty Investigator: David A. Washburn)

Scientists at the Sonny Carter Life Sciences Laboratory of the Language Research Center study the behavior and performance of humans and nonhuman animals (principally rhesus monkeys and chimpanzees). This research is designed to elucidate cognitive processes such as attention, learning, memory, and executive function as these constructs are manifest across species. Experiments are designed to reveal how these mental abilities develop, how they correspond to brain mechanisms, how they relate to one another, and how they are affected by cognitive (e.g., perceived control), affective/motivational (e.g., emotion), social (e.g., competition), and environmental (e.g., microgravity) variables. Moreover, research at the SCLSL is designed to examine how psychological well-being can be measured and maintained.

The SCLSL is a component laboratory of Brain, Behavior, and the Emergence of Cognitive Competence (B2EC2), a multi-investigator, multi-institutional program-project supported by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

The SCLSL offers opportunities for biobehavioral collaborative research with investigators from institutions around the world. Graduate and undergraduate students are involved in every phase of the research. For additional information, please contact Dr. David A. Washburn.

Tracking Eye Movements and Vocabulary Acquisition (T.E.V.A.) Laboratory
(Faculty Investigator: Rihana Williams)

The T.E.V.A. Lab conducts experimental and applied research that is related to vocabulary development and reading comprehension. Research studies are conducted using eye movement monitoring (Eyelink 1000) and many traditional assessments of vocabulary and reading comprehension. Participants in ongoing studies include preschool, elementary school students, high school students, and college students. Current research projects are conducted in collaboration with other disciplines including Educational Psychology, Special Education, and Speech Language Pathology.