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

Our graduate students are from the Psychology Department’s Human Factors and Cognitive Psychology Program.