Welcome to the Applied Cognition & Technology Lab! - Applied Cognition and Technology Lab

The Applied Cognition and Technology (ACAT) Laboratory is the result of a collaboration between cognitive psychologist Dr. Valerie Sims and social psychologist Dr. Matthew Chin.

Our research examines humans’ experiences of non-human others, including technology such as computers and companion animals. We apply this basic research to applied questions such as designing interfaces and ameliorating animal cruelty. In addition, we research the role of individual differences in understanding these variables. Specifically, we examine the roles of spatial ability and cognitive attributional style.

Illustration of an open laptop with a gray body and a yellow screen. Illustration of a futuristic robotic dog with a sleek, white body and black screen-like face. Illustration of a walking cat with its tail raised, shown in profile. The cat is outlined in black with a light brown fill.

Our lab has a variety of research projects going on at any given time. The topics of these projects include:

Spatial Abilities/ Mental Rotation
Schema Theory
Anthropomorphism
Individual Differences
Human-Computer Interaction
Technology Use/Behaviors
Emergency Warnings
Cognitive Load Theory and Higher Education
Human-Animal Interaction
Natural Disasters / Beach Safety

RECENT MEDIA FEATURES

Bravery by Design: Exploring the Impact of TVY Through Research (Summer 2026). Our lab’s work examining the developmental benefits of theatre for the very young will be presented as part of the Orlando Family Stage’s Presentation at American Alliance for Theatre and Education.

UCF Today: Orlando Family Stage Sets the Mark with UCF Collaboration (March 2026). Features our lab’s work examining the developmental benefits of theatre for young audiences.

Pegasus: The Magazine of the University of Florida. The Examined Life. (Summer 2019). Interviews Dr. Valerie Sims about her curiosity and research.

Our graduate students are from the Psychology Department’s Human Factors and Cognitive Psychology Program. and our undergraduate students often work in collaboration with the Office of Undergraduate Research.