The Cognitive Neuroscience of Language and Reading Processes

"This experience working in the Perfetti lab is building upon my research experience and showing real world applications of the concepts I have learned in my Psychology courses." 

Supervising Faculty:
Charles Perfetti, Ph.D.

Contact:
Charles Perfetti, Ph.D.
833 LRDC
412-624-7071
perfetti@pitt.edu

Or Elena Camino, lab coordinator, e.cimino@pitt.edu

Area of Research:  Cognitive Psychology

Description of Research:

This project includes both behavioral and brain-related (ERP) experiments aimed at understanding the cognitive processes of reading and language processing. We study language and reading, including how people understand what they read (comprehension) and how they learn new words. We also study how reading is different across language and writing systems and how students learn to read in a second language.

Duties of Students:

  • Read relevant research articles and discuss them and other related theoretical issues
  • Help develop experimental materials and write experiment programming
  • Assist with recruiting and testing participants (following training) in behavioral and/or ERP experiments
  • Assist with data coding, entry, and analysis
  • Attend Weekly Lab Meetings when schedule allows

Requirements:

  • Students must complete the following prerequisites before the start of PSY 1903*:
  • Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • 12 credits of Psychology (including current term)
  • STAT 0200/1000/1100- Statistics
  • PSY 0035- Research Methods in Psychology

Additional Requirements:

  • Highly motivated, reliable individuals interested in gaining research experience
  • Minimum of 2 credits of Directed Research per semester
  • 2 semester commitment preferred
  • Recommended basic computer skills and familiarity with Excel
  • Availability for weekly lab meetings

Terms offered: Spring, Summer, Fall

Number of Students: Varies