RESEARCH INTERESTS

I am currently working on my Master's thesis: a series of experiments investigating a puzzle in the levels of processing literature. The "levels of processing effect" refers to the typical finding that, compared to a control condition, deep, semantic processing of a word results in enhanced or equal recall; and shallow, structural processing of a word results in impaired recall. Somewhat counterintuitively, this effect obtains even when subjects know that a memory test is imminent, have plenty of time, and are given a lecture on levels of processing and encouraged to improve their memory through deeper processing. It has been suggested that the orienting tasks used in the levels of processing paradigm "fix" processing at a given level, and prevent subjects engaging in other types of processing. Our research suggests that superimposing a selectivity task - requiring subjects to selectively remember particular words - seems to "unlock" the typical fix on processing created by the orienting task.

In future, I hope to explore more applied questions relating to memory and learning in training and education.

RESEARCH

Master's Thesis: An Investigation of an Enigmatic Effect of Orienting Tasks on Memory - Manuscript in preparation

A series of experiments exploring our ability to overcome a processing "fix" caused by a levels of processing orienting task procedure by superimposing a selectivity task.

Bachelor's Dissertation: A Critical Empirical Analysis of the Theory of Reasoned Action (First Class)

An investgation into the link between human attitudes and behaviour. The study examines inconsistencies in the Theory of Reasoned Action and concludes with some original findings.

Undergraduate Research Project: Aspects of Levels of Processing and Memory Recall (First Class)

An experimental study testing the influence of depth of processing, intentional versus incidental learning, and positive versus negative responses on memory recall.

PRESENTATIONS & POSTERS

Memory Selectivity with an Orienting Task Procedure

Poster presented at the Southwest Cognition Conference (Armadillo) at Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas. October 27th 2002.

Memory Selectivity

Talk given at a cognitive seminar at Rice University, Houston, Texas. September 18th 2002.

Inhibition of Item Identification

Talk given at a cognitive seminar at Rice University, Houston, Texas. January 30th 2002.