Projects of Nicholas J. Cepeda

Methods for Improving Long-Term Retention

Hal Pashler, John Wixted, Doug Rohrer, Shana Carpenter, and I are developing and testing methods for improving long-term retention of classroom material. Factors we investigate include study episode spacing effects and optimal testing and feedback methods. Our goal is to provide concrete recommendations for improving retention, by having teachers and students make small changes in learning methods. Recently, our "cramming" (spacing effect) research was featured on the CBC News at Six.

Cognitive Flexibility

Gedeon Deák and I examine neural and behavioral aspects of cognitive flexibility, including interactions between task switching, processing speed, working memory, inhibition, and language processing.

Yuko Munakata and I are developing tasks that measure Graded Working Memory, which consists of active maintenance of task goals within working memory. Graded Working Memory is associated with abstract representations of task goals.

Executive Function

Ellen Bialystok and I are investigating how ADHD, bilingualism, and language disorders influence executive function skills.