Cognitive Development Laboratory

Current Project

Children 7- to 12-years old and adults are invited to the laboratory for two sessions. During those sessions, participants watch a slide show and answer a series of related questions. Participants also complete a Stroop task and have their brain activity measured. Testing can occur in our laboratories in Davis or Sacramento.

Information for students

Are you interested in gaining research experience? Do you want to learn more about how children think? If so, then this may be the place for you!

What does it mean to be a research assistant in the CDL? You will be asked to assist on a variety of research-related activities, including testing children and adults, preparing test materials, and conducting library searches. We have several ongoing projects related to psychology and law, child development, and memory.

We are currently accepting applications from undergraduates. To become a research assistant, you must be of sophomore or greater standing and have completed CHDV 30/35 or the equivalent. As an assistant, you will be expected to complete an agreed-upon number of hours in return for course credit. If you are interested in assisting with the project for CHDV 199, 253, or 299 units, please contact Kristen Weede Alexander via e-mail or phone (916-278-7829) for an application and to inquire about current availability of positions.

Information for parents

We are currently enrolling children. If you have a child between the ages of 0 and 12, you may be able to help us. Our research generally involves 1-2 visits to the laboratory in Sacramento or Davis. For most studies, we simply talk or play with your child to learn more about how children think. We would be happy to talk with you about our current project to let you decide whether this is the project for you and your child(ren). If you are interested in learning more about the project and potentially involving your child, please contact Kristen Weede Alexander via e-mail or phone (916-278-7829). Contacting us implies no obligation--just opportunity to learn more!

Check out a sample of our recent publications and presentations

Alexander, K. W., & O’Hara, K. D. (in press). An integrated model of emotional memory: Dynamic transactions in development. To appear in J.A. Quas & R. Fivush, Emotion and Memory in Development: Biological, Cognitive, and Social Considerations, Oxford University Press.

Alexander, K. W., O’Hara, K. D., & Kraft, R. H. (2007, April). Attachment and memory: The role of psychobiology and interaction style. Paper presented at the Biennial Meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development, Boston, MA.

Last updated: 09/28/2007