Projects

Spatial Cognition Lab

Spatial cognition generally refers to the processes involved in visualizing, manipulating and reasoning about the spatial aspects of objects or environments. In our lab, we study both small scale and large scale spatial cognition. Research questions in our lab include:

  • How individual and gender differences in spatial cognition help predict STEM performance.
  • The neural correlates of mental rotation and spatial navigation using EEG.
  • Exploring the use of immersive virtual reality applications for spatial research and education.

Testing Gender Differences in Dimensionality Crossing in Mental Rotation using Virtual Reality and 3D Printed Objects

Dr. Mikaela Priest tested whether gender differences in a difficult mental rotation task could be reduced using 3 dimensional objects compared to traditional 2D paper and pencil measures. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three presentation conditions: 1) 2D presentation of drawn 3D objects, 2) 3D presentation of the same objects rendered in virtual reality using a head mounted display (HTC Vive) and 3) 3D presentation of real world objects created using 3D printing. 

Dr. Mikaela Priest and VR study

Developing Individual Calibration in an Omnidirectional VR treadmill

Contact Us

Department of Psychology

Biological Science Building

Carnegie R1 University Logo

The University of Wyoming has earned its Research Level 1 (R1) status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing Wyoming's only four-year university with the top research universities in the United States.