The APsyM LAB is a place for exploring theoretical aspects of measurement, for planning research designs and for analysing psychological data based firmly in evidence-based research which produces constant challenges from a methodological point of view. Between the strands of largely explorative research you will find the study of organisational dynamics, emotional-motivational processes, environmental psychology and some specific aspects relating to the study of cognitive processes. Special attention is given to the use of technology supporting the study of psychological processes and learning settings. The research activities conducted in the APsyM LAB take place within a broad setting of national and international collaboration both academic and strongly linked to an external context.
Following is a brief description of the main fields of research in the laboratory:
Theory and techniques of data analysis. Using technological instruments (remote and stand alone, shared and residential) that are known or derived from the collection or processing of data, APsyM LAB monitors the quality of measurements of psychological constructs according to clear psychometric rules. A particular focus of the APsyM LAB relates to the stage of data analyses, mainly of a quantitative sort, with advanced methods, in particular in techniques of analysis of covariance, also for longitudinal data (exploring stability and change).
Organisational dynamics. Using an approach appropriate for the culture, taking account of the perceptions shared by groups of individuals interacting with each other, APsyM LAB develops research projects focusing on wellbeing at work, dealing with such issues as security in the workplace, work insecurity, psychosocial risks, the management of diversity in organisations and education. This research involves male and female workers in public and private businesses.
Emotional and motivational processes. In the area of studying emotional and motivational processes, APsyM LAB focuses in particular on their role
(i) in learning (for example, emotions and success goals for students in primary and secondary school and university; emotions in relation to information and communications technology; emotional intelligence in formative contexts);
(ii) in the development of emotional skills for life stages (for example, the development of simple concepts such as wellbeing and malaise in children and adults; validation of instruments to evaluate emotional competence in life stages; development of emotional competency in relation to traumatic events in children and adults; monitoring emotional states when they occur)
Environmental psychology. The research projects developed from the APsyMLAB in this area have included how physical factors in the environment influence the well-being of individuals and groups. The approach, based on Attention Restoration Theory, studies the influence of the physical environment on restorativeness. As well as theoretical questions and measurement problems in this area, the research focuses on specific contexts to do with work, education and culture (for example, museum environments), and also with issues relating to architectural psychology and to the psychology of domestic design.
Cognitive processes. Classical topics in psychology- like perceptual experience, psychophysics, theories, models and research on consciousness, attention, memory, thinking, intelligence, learning, motivation and communication - are covered in the APsyMLAB in various ways in experimental research (e.g. information programming, research on food habits, formative processes, etc).
L’SLD-Lab, Laboratory of Research on Social & Language Development, integra interessi e competenze di ricerca sullo sviluppo delle interazioni sociali, della comunicazione e del linguaggio.
Principali aree di ricerca
1 - Acquisizione e sviluppo del linguaggio e della comunicazione in diversi contesti
Gli studi indagano i processi di acquisizione e sviluppo della comunicazione e del linguaggio nelle sue diverse componenti, e il ruolo degli aspetti percettivo-motori, cognitivi e sociali. Le ricerche prevedono l’utilizzo di metodologie osservative per l’analisi dell’interazione del bambino con l’adulto e con i pari in diversi contesti, procedure sperimentali e strumenti di valutazione standardizzati. I risultati delle ricerche possono avere implicazioni per la pratica clinica ed educativa, in particolare per le popolazioni atipiche e a rischio. Infatti, possono fornire indicazioni per la progettazione e sperimentazione di interventi di supporto a genitori e insegnanti, in collaborazione con i servizi educativi e sanitari territoriali.
2 – Abilità di alfabetizzazione emergente e legate all’uso delle nuove tecnologie.
Gli studi analizzano la relazione tra abilità linguistiche e di alfabetizzazione in bambini/e a sviluppo tipico ed atipico di età prescolare (alfabetizzazione emergente) e nei primi anni di scuola primaria. Le ricerche analizzano abilità linguistiche e di alfabetizzazione sia tradizionale sia che prevedono l’uso e l’esposizione a tecnologie digitali, adottando disegni di ricerca correlazionali, quasi-sperimentali, e interventi. I risultati delle ricerche hanno rilevanti implicazioni teoriche e pratiche per l’individuazione e la prevenzione di fragilità linguistiche e legate agli apprendimenti anche in relazione all’impatto delle nuove tecnologie.
3 - Infant Research.
Gli studi indagano i primi processi di sviluppo psicologico del bambino, concentrandosi sulla dinamica delle interazioni con gli adulti. Obiettivo principale è far luce sui fattori sottostanti le differenze individuali nelle traiettorie di sviluppo. L'ambito d'indagine include studi che esplorano l’interazione tra componenti linguistico-comunicative e aspetti cognitivi e relazionali, utilizzando metodologie osservative e sperimentali con popolazioni con diversi profili di sviluppo.
4 – Aspetti ritmico-musicali e sviluppo comunicativo.
Gli studi analizzano la relazione tra fattori ritmico-musicali e lo sviluppo linguistico e comunicativo. Le ricerche adottano procedure sperimentali e strumenti standardizzati per la valutazione di vari aspetti musicali (abilità, esposizione) e/o metodologie osservative per l’analisi dell’interazione del bambino con l’adulto e con i pari e dello sviluppo linguistico e comunicativo del bambino, e prevedono l’utilizzo di interventi musicali ad-hoc. I risultati possono offrire importanti informazioni per la pratica clinica e per i servizi educativi e per la creazione e sperimentazione di interventi di supporto allo sviluppo linguistico e comunicativo dei bambini in sinergia con le famiglie.
Collaborazioni internazionali
Il Laboratorio mantiene una rete di collaborazioni internazionali, tra cui: Erika Hoff (Florida Atlantic University, USA), Roberta Michnick Golinkoff (Unidel H. Rodney Sharp Chair and Professor in the School of Education at the University of Delaware, USA), Reyna L. Gordon (Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Department of Psychology at Vanderbilt University, USA), Caroline Fitzpatrick (Université de Sherbrooke, Canada), Kate Cain (Lancaster University, UK).
Attività di formazione
Il Laboratorio prevede attività formative e di ricerca sul campo e in laboratorio per studenti di Laurea Magistrale (in tirocinio e/o tesi), tirocinanti in Psicologia e dottorandi di ricerca. Il team dell’SLD-Lab è inoltre coinvolto in attività di formazione per educatori/insegnanti di Nidi e Scuole d’Infanzia.
Componenti
Beatrice Andalò
Chiara Barachetti
Tamara Bastianello
Elena Florit
Manuela Lavelli
Marinella Majorano
Ambra Natati
Valentina Persici
Irene Redondi
Michela Santangelo
Collaboratori accademici e partners
• Erika Hoff, Ph.D. (Full Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychology, Florida Atlantic University, USA). Webpage: https://psy.fau.edu/languagedevelopmentlab/people.php
• Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, Ph.D. (Unidel H. Rodney Sharp Chair and Professor in the School of Education at the University of Delaware, USA). Webpage: https://roberta-golinkoff.com/
• Kate Cain, Ph.D. (Professor of Language and Literacy, Department of Psychology, University of Lancaster, UK). Webpages: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/psychology/about-us/people/kate-cain and http://wp.lancs.ac.uk/language-literacy/
• Stefanie Höhl, Ph.D. (Full Professor, University of Vienna, Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology). Webpage: https://psychologie.univie.ac.at/en/research/labs/wieki-lab-wiener-kinderstudien/
• Reyna L. Gordon, Ph.D. (Associate Professor, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Department of Psychology at Vanderbilt University, USA). Webpage: https://www.vumc.org/music-cognition-lab/person/reyna-l-gordon-phd
• Miriam D. Lense, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor, Department of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, USA). Webpage: https://www.vumc.org/music-cognition-lab/person/miriam-lense-phd
• Thierry Nazzi, Ph.D. (Researcher, Language and Cognition Team, Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center (INCC), Paris, France). Webpages: https://incc-paris.fr/people/thierry-nazzi https://baby.biomedicale.parisdescartes.fr
• Laurienne Cabrera (Researcher, Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center (INCC), Paris, France. Webpage: https://baby.biomedicale.parisdescartes.fr/en/member/laurianne-cabrera
• Caroline Fitzpatrick (Associate Professor, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada). Webpage: https://grise.ca/en/team/caroline-fitzpatrick/
• Christine Yoshinaga-Itano, Ph.D. (Professor Emeritus, University of Colorado Boulder, USA). Webpage: https://www.colorado.edu/ics/christine-yoshinaga-itano
• Beatrice Beebe, Ph.D. (Clinical Professor of Medical Psychology, NYSPI, Columbia University, USA). Webpage: https://childadolescentpsych.cumc.columbia.edu/professionals/research-programs/communication-sciences-lab
• Marilyn Vihman, Ph.D. (Professor of Linguistics, University of York, Department of Language and Linguistic Science, UK). Webpage: https://www.york.ac.uk/language/people/academic-research/marilyn-vihman/
• Municipality of Verona
• Grazia Corda, Educational services in Verona
• Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital in Piacenza
• Cochlear S.r.l.
• Progetto Crescere in Reggio Emilia
• Studio Evolvendo in Mantua
• Dott.ssa Cristina Brotto (Logopedista) www.officinadiparole.com
• Soste S.R.L., Piazza Petrini, 3 - fraz. Canezza 38057 Pergine Valsugana (TN) http://www.soste.eu