Lise Abrams, Ph.D (UCLA, 1997). Associate Professor (Cognitive & Sensory Processes). Dr. Abrams's research examines the relationship between memory and language processes in young and older adults. Current studies are investigating: (a) the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon, an experience where one has a temporary inability to recall a known word; (b) the ability to detect misspellings during reading, and the effects of perceiving misspellings on comprehension and memory; and (c) factors that influence the ability to retrieve correct spellings from long-term memory, such as aging, spelling ability, and priming.
Susan Bluck, Ph.D. (University of California, Irvine, 1997). Associate Professor (Developmental Psychology). Dr. Bluck's research focuses on autobiographical memory and reasoning (how people remember and think about the events of their own lives) across the adult life span, and especially in later life. Her specific research interests include age differences and continuities in: (a) the everyday uses of autobiographical memory, reminiscence, and the life story, and (b) the relation of autobiographical memory to self-conceptions and well-being.
Michael Marsiske, Ph.D. (Pennsylvania State University, 1992). Associate Professor (Clinical and Health Psychology). Dr. Marsiske's research examines cognitive aging, with a particular emphasis on three major areas: (a) interventions to improve cognition in later life, as well as methodologies to assess change in cognition over time, (b) the relationship between cognition and everyday function (e.g., self- and home-maintenance) in old age, (c) relationships between cognition and sensorimotor functioning in aging, and in age-related impairment conditions (e.g., stroke).
Christina McCrae, Ph.D. (Washington University, 1999) Assistant Professor (Clinical and Health Psychology). Dr. McCrae's research focuses on geropsychology, behavioral medicine, sleep disorders, and home-based intervention.
Robin Lea West, Ph.D. (Vanderbilt University, 1980). Professor (Developmental Psychology). Dr. West's research has focused on practical aspects of memory and self-regulatory factors that affect memory. This includes: a) the relationship between test performance and self-evaluation of memory (especially self-efficacy), b) techniques for improving the everyday memory skills of older adults, and c) goal-setting and beliefs about memory.