Current studies focus on implicit memory for repeated
auditory and visual stimuli, the nature of implicit
versus explicit perceptual learning, and the differences
between males and females in math problem solving and
mental rotation.
Implicit memory. We present spoken and
handwritten words to our experimental participants,
whose task is to identify the stimuli under degraded
listening or viewing conditions. Participants' accuracy
on repeated stimuli is an indicator of their implicit
memory.
Implicit and explicit learning. Perceptual
categories can be learned explicitly, through
hypothesis generation and testing, or implicitly, as a
byproduct of performing another task. We ask students
to engage in these two forms of learning and then
measure the differences and similarities in what is
learned.
Gender differences. High school and college
students solve arithmetic, algebra, and geometry
problems on a computer. Participants also make
judgments about stationary and rotating objects
displayed on a monitor. Past studies have shown that
males and females perform differently on these tasks.