Faculty Research Labs

Aging and Decision Making, 2219 Converse Hall

The Aging and Decision Making Lab investigates how cognitive processes change across the lifespan and how these changes influence decision-making. Our research focuses on developing and validating psychological scales, exploring differences in working memory and cognition among younger and older adults, and examining the strategies individuals use when making decisions. Undergraduate research assistants are needed to help in the lab. If you are interested in learning more or participating in research please contact Dr. Meagan Wood at: mmwood@valdosta.edu

 

Behavioral Biology Lab, 3201 Converse Hall

The Behavioral Biology Lab is currently investigating invertebrates to better understand pharmacological and environmental factors that influence invertebrate behavior. These studies explore sensory processes and selective drug effects on behavior. We are also studying habituation and sensitization processes on Eisenia hortensis (also known as the European nightcrawler) and Dugesisa tigrina (planaria). We plan to start running some other associative conditioning experiments too. Eventually we plan to examine the effects of drugs and environmental pollutants on their learning and behavior. Undergraduate research assistants will be needed to help run the learning trials and measure behavioral responses. If you are interested in learning more or participating in research please contact Dr. Browne at blbrowne@valdosta.edu or Dr. Kirchner at kkirchner@valdosta.edu

Check out this article in the Bonfire: Hands-On Learning: VSU Student Gains Research Experience in New Behavioral Biology Lab

 
Family Relations Research Lab, Converse Hall, Room 2203
The Family Relations Research Lab focuses on the unique experiences, challenges, and strengths of miliary families. Through interdisciplinary research, the lab examines, topics such as deployment impact, family resilience, reintegration, and mental health support. If you are interested in researching any aspect of military-related life or family life, please contact Dr. Sherman at hsherman@valdosta.edu

 

Human Factors and Performance Laboratory, 3216 Converse Hall

The Human Factors and Performance Laboratory is currently investigating the relationship of technology and human behavior across age. Current and future research includes experiments on changes in walking behaviors when texting, impact of caffeine on memory performance, and how technology distractions influences safety of decision making while driving in a driving simulator. If you are interested in volunteering in the lab please contact Dr. Chuck Talor at 249-4914 or crtalor@valdosta.edu. 

Identity and Career Development Laboratory, 3211 Converse Hall

The Identity and Career Development Laboratory explores how young adults set career goals, including factors related to choosing your major in college, career choice, and resolution of conflicts between working while going to college. In addition, we are examining the reasons people affiliate into special interest groups, such as personality characteristics of gamers, people who attend sports and fandom events, and individuals who obtain tattoos. If you are interested in volunteering in the lab please contact Dr. Chuck Talor at 249-4914 or crtalor@valdosta.edu. 

 

Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, 3218 Converse Hall

We are currently examining brain laterality for affective words and memory, hemispheric encoding and retrieval asymmetry (HERA), levels of processing, and other lexical decision based experiments. Other research continuing to be performed is on technology, FoMO, celebrity attitudes, and internet use. If you are interested in assisting in the lab you must have at least one full year left here at VSU. If you are interested in assisting in the lab, please contact Dr. Browne at blbrowne@valdosta.edu.

 

Psychometrics Lab   

The psychometrics lab investigates the affective, behavioral, and cognitive factors that influence a wide range of human behaviors and attitudes, as well as the implementation of the scientific method.  Past research projects have examined how gender and self-esteem influence academic narcissism, as well as developing an scale to assess gender identity attitudes.  We prefer for students to have minimum GPA of 2.90, completion of PSYC 3500, and available at least 2 hours a week.  If you are interested in volunteering in the lab, then please contact Dr. Whatley (229-293-6320 or mwhatley@valdosta.edu).