Research Labs

The Aging, Growth, and Experience (AGE) Labs at Appalachian State University consist of five individual laboratories each headed by a faculty member from the Department of Psychology. Although all of these faculty members are interested in developmental issues, our research interests are varied. Below, you will find a brief description of the five research labs that make up the AGE Labs. To find more information about each lab, please click on the links below.

If you would like more information about participating in studies with any of these labs, please contact us.

Legal Psychology (LP) Lab

Legal Psychology Lab: Directed by Dr. Twila Wingrove, this lab examines three areas of research. First, we study how experiences with the legal system as children shape attitudes about the legal system later on. Second, we study public policies related to children and adolescents' legal rights. Third, we study how people evaluate cases involving sexual misconduct and sexual assault.

Adult Cognitive and Emotional Development (ACED) Lab

Directed by Dr. Lisa Emery, this lab examines cognitive and emotional development across adulthood, with a particular emphasis on how these factors work together to shape memories from our past.

Development in Social Cognition (DISC) Lab

Directed by Dr. Robyn Kondrad, this lab explores how children evaluate and learn from the people with whom they interact, what qualities children consider when they make judgments about those individuals, and how different ways of communicating influence children’s learning from those interactions.

The Eating Behaviors Lab

Directed by Dr. Amy Galloway, this lab investigates the development of eating behavior in children and adolescents. She is particularly interested in picky eating behavior and understanding how infants transition to eating the foods of their culture.

Video Game Lab

Directed by Dr. Mary Ballard, this lab examines the impact of violence, competition, cooperation, etc. during video game play on aggression, positive and negative affective responding, desensitization, and physiological responding. Dr. Ballard’s research also examines the impact of activity level during game play on mood, energy expenditure, and other physiological responses.