Research Topics
Our work primarily focuses on applying foundational theories of cognitive psychology to tasks that approximate how people use cognition in the real world with a particular emphasis on visual tasks.
Visual Search
Visual search is the process of finding target objects using vision. Originally, visual search was a research tool used to study visual attention. It has since become a research topic of its own, as visual search relies not just on visual attention but also perception, memory, and decision processes. There are also professions that rely on visual search - such as radiology and transportation security - that can benefit from understanding how visual search is performed.
Our lab focuses on factors that affect visual searches that happen in real world settings.
These factors include:
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How searchers represent targets in their mind
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Visual similarity between targets and distractors
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Decision making during difficult searches
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Effects of target prevalence
Human Factors in UAS Operations
The use of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) is becoming more pervasive across industries. Use cases range from taking aerial images on a clear calm day to gathering information during a disaster response. The various operator demands across scenarios present interesting human-factors questions about how operators handle situational information and maintain control of aircraft.
The AVC lab collaborates with the Lone Star UAS Center for Excellence at TAMUCC to study human factors of drone operations. Our current focus is on visual and auditory cognitive load while operating a UAV. Understanding cognitive load for UAS operators has implications for emergency response management and other multi-agency operations that involve frequent communication.
Student-Led Research
TAMUCC is committed to the success of our students. This mission is also part of our lab's philosophy and culture. Dedicated undergraduate students have the opportunity to complete supervised research projects and graduate students have the option to incorporate a Master's thesis into their program of study. The lab has also been fortunate to be associated with students in the McNair Scholars program at TAMUCC.
Topics currently be investigated by student researchers include:
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Effects of culture on task collaboration
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How facial coverings affect emotion perception
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Maintaining focus during task switching
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How competition and game outcome affects trust between competitors
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Emotional intelligence and prejudice
