Research Interests
My current theoretical interest is in the behavioral,
cognitive, and neurological dimensions of Cognitive Control. More specifically,
I am interested in how people assemble coherent sequences of actions, how they
maintain a course of action in the face of distraction, how they perform
multiple courses of action concurrently, and how they switch between
alternative courses of action or update a course of action in order to fulfill
exogenous task demands or endogenous intentions.
Approach
I tend to favor an eclectic methodological approach
combining structured observation and experimentation with computational
cognitive modeling. I am a supporter of those approaches that carefully observe
the biological plausibility of computational models. In particular, I strive to
contribute toward bridging the gap between cognitive modeling and brain imaging
research.
I tend to give preferentiality to the theoretical aspects of
both computational modeling and brain imaging research, looking at how
psychological theories can be specified in computational models and how
computational models relate to behavioral and brain imaging data on
theoretically interesting aspects.
Translation into practical applications
Although my research is primarily theoretical in nature, I
am always cognizant of its potential to impact the real world. From my past
experience as a psychologist practitioner (industrial psychologist and
consultant) I learned that practitioners need good theory. I see my focus of
theoretical work as an opportunity to reach large and diverse areas of
application.
My favorite application field is the domain of
Human-Computer Interaction. I envision applications of my research in the use
of information-intensive environments particularly by persons with various
disabilities (Juvina & van Oostendorp, 2006).
The need for research on cognitive control becomes visible
when people have deficits of cognitive control resulted from brain injuries or
various conditions such as impulse control disorders and attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I hope my research can contribute to
ameliorating conditions in which people are unable to plan actions or implement
their plans and they manifest perseverance or distractibility. Ultimately, my
research could help anyone who is interested in improving their concentration
and self-control in whatever activity they undertake.
Email me at ijuvina@cmu.edu for details on past and current projects.
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