In the Applied Cognition and Aging Laboratory we explore a broad range of questions intended to advance both our theoretical understanding of human cognition across the age span and augment human performance on tasks we typically engage in on a daily basis.

Understanding Basic Attentional and Cognitive Mechanisms

We currently have projects ongoing that explore visual search and other cognitive processes under a variety of conditions, such as when objects are camouflaged, looming (as brake lights might appear when the car in front of you stops short) or appear in 3d environments. We use a number of tools to characterize behavior in this context, including eye tracking with our two SR Research EyeLink 1000 Eye Trackers and functional neuroimaging with the NIRScout Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy system.

Improving Human Performance

Given a basic understanding of human attention and cognition, we also explore ways in which performance on every day tasks across a variety of settings can be improved, either through training or technology integration. Several ongoing programs of research in the lab are geared toward this theme. Some of the current studies under this theme are using touch screen displays to improve fine motor performance in aging populations and Google Glass to improve human-computer interaction. We always have many ongoing projects in the lab looking at a variety of questions, using many different forms of technology, and employing a wide range of experimental techniques. Our work is also supported by equipment available through UCF IMMERSE, an interdisciplinary research lab, directed by Dr. Neider, that hosts a range of virtual reality, mixed reality, augmented reality, and neurophysiological recording tools. Learn more about the facilities made possible through UCF IMMERSE through the IMMERSE website. For more information on current projects please contact us.