In the Quantified Cognition Lab, students explore the relationship between perception, memory, and decision-making to understand how these processes shape human knowledge and guide actions. Combining theoretical insights with data-driven methods and cognitive assessment tools, the lab aims to unlock and understand the complex ways our minds interpret and interact with the world.

The lab is led by Dr. Emily Weichart, an Assistant Professor in the Brain and Cognition specialization here in the Psychology Department. Dr. Weichart works alongside three undergraduate research assistants, majoring in topics from Psychology to Biology and Computer Engineering. "Undergraduates have the opportunity to gain valuable lab skills such as data collection, participant interaction, and using EEG and eye-tracking equipment," Dr. Weichart explains. "Pending their interest, there are also opportunities to develop skills in data analysis, literature reviews, and presenting scientific findings." The lab is currently seeking both undergraduate and graduate students to help with these research projects. If you are interested, please reach out to Dr. Weichart to learn more!

At the heart of the lab's work is a series of experiments designed to capture the nuances of human behavior and neurophysiology. These studies examine the delicate trade-offs people make between speed and accuracy and examine how individuals sample information through eye-tracking technology. One exciting project the lab is working on this year is the development of GLANCE, a new cognitive assessment tool. “GLANCE combines a cognitive task with a computational model to study attentional control and its connection to healthy aging," Dr. Weichart shares. "It helps us understand how people learn across trials and how they inhibit perceptual distractions." Altogether, this data contributes to a comprehensive understanding of how cognitive processes unfold in real time, offering a layered perspective on human behavior.

The lab also utilizes computational models to predict cognitive traits and behaviors, offering a precise way to quantify individual differences. These models are key to identifying and defining cognitive phenotypes, providing insights that contribute to both academic research and applied cognitive science.

The lab is currently working on several fascinating research projects. You can learn more about each of them on the lab’s website! Through this research, the Quantified Cognition Lab is working to create a bridge between cognitive theories and practical, real-world insights, helping foster a deeper understanding of the human mind.