Early Mathematics and Attention
Steven Piantadosi, Professor
Psychology
Applications for Spring 2024 are closed for this project.
We are currently working on a study that uses behavioral methods to research mathematical development in children.
This study investigates the relationship between early mathematics and attention. It is funded by the NSF’s Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings.
Early number competence during childhood is associated with mathematical achievement. Additionally, other cognitive capacities, such as working memory and executive function, likely play a role in the development of early number competence. While it is known that these cognitive abilities develop in parallel, little work has mechanistically linked growth in children’s cognitive abilities to early mathematics. This study will specifically investigate questions like: How do attention and visual working memory capacity shape early mathematics in children? Are we underestimating number knowledge for everyone because of the attentional demands of counting tasks?
This project is in conjunction with the Kidd Lab (kiddlab.com). RAs will work closely with both labs if they work on this project.
Please also fill out this additional form if you are applying: http://tinyurl.com/rakiddcolala
Role: Responsibilities will include running behavioral experiments with children ages 2-8 in the lab and at other testing sites. Additionally, duties may include participant recruitment, collecting, organizing, and coding data, and assisting with administrative tasks. RAs may meet regularly with the project team to discuss relevant theoretical and empirical papers in addition to maintaining open communication on study progress. RAs will be involved in multiple aspects of the research project, which will allow them to gain insight into the research process.
Qualifications: We expect that RAs are organized, dependable, communicative, and work diligently. RAs must have decent computer literacy and be willing to learn about the various software applications and online platforms used by the lab. No previous research experience is required, but experience working with children and parents is preferred. RAs must be willing to travel (car not required) to museums and other testing sites that are off-campus. Preference will be given to applicants who have availability on Saturday and/or Sunday to collect data on some weekends. We ask that RAs commit to two semesters working in the lab.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Justine Krieger, Staff Researcher
Hours: 9-11 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: 2121 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA
Related website: http://colala.berkeley.edu
Related website: http://kiddlab.com