MOTIVATION

Our results demonstrate that it is critical to give consistent praise related to effort (rather than trait-based praise) in order to increase persistence after experiencing difficulties. Our current research uses advanced physiological measures (e.g., eye tracking, skin conductance) to investigate how praise increases or decreases anxiety.

Reasoning with data

How do children and adults reason with data (i.e., numbers in context)? Our research has revealed that children (and adults) are adept at estimating differences between data sets without using formal calculations. We are developing instructional units based on these findings.

HEAD START ON SCIENCE (HSOS)

I am part of an assessment of the Head Start on Science (HSS) curriculum with a team from Michigan State University. My role is to help assess the impact of this curriculum on children’s scientific reasoning and cognitive development.

DETECTING INCONSISTENCIES

How do children know that two contradictory pieces of information cannot both be true? Our investigations suggest that detecting inconsistencies are related to children’s ability to mentally simulate situations (e.g., imagine new possibilities).