Welcome to the Applied Cognition & Technology Lab

The Applied Cognition And Technology (ACAT) Laboratory is the result of a collaboration between cognitive psychologist, Valerie Sims, and social psychologist Matthew Chin.

Our research examines humans’ experiences of non-human others, including technology such as computers and companion animals. We apply this basic research to applied questions such as designing interfaces and ameliorating animal cruelty.

In addition, we research the role of individual differences in understanding these variables. Specifically, we examine the roles of spatial ability and cognitive attributional style.

We work very closely with the UCF Institute for Simulation & Training. Our graduate students are from both the Psychology department's Applied Experimental & Human Factors Doctoral Program and the Modeling & Simulation Masters & Doctoral Programs.

Please feel free to browse our website and contact us at acat.lab@gmail.com if you would like more information.

Latest News

We had two APS conference submission accepted, two HFES submissions accepted, and five ISAZ submissions accepted.

Dissertation & Thesis News

Hana Smith successfully defended her dissertation on April 3rd. Congratulations Dr. Smith and good luck at your new job!

Ariel Baruch successfully defended and passed her undergraduate thesis defense. Good job!

Graduation News

We will be sad to see a few people graduate and move onto new adventures:

Hana Smith will be receiving her doctorate and will begin working at Dell

Ariel Baruch will be going to graduate school at the University of Massachusetts- Amhurst.

Gaby Hancock will be going to graduate school at the University of Florida.

Matthew Marraffino, Nick Lagattuta, and Melissa Raymond will all be graduating this semester.