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Applied Psychology is the application of principles and techniques of Psychology to a real world problem. In Human Factors and Human Computer-Interaction, principles of Cognitive Psychology are applied to the Human-Machine Interface to improve the usability and effectiveness of the interface.

My teaching and research interests are directly related to the goals of improving the Human-Machine Interface.

• TEACHING GOAL: train students to become professionals in this area so, in time, all Human-Machine Interfaces will be designed for optimal usability
  - Courses - Research Design, Statistics, Cognitive Psychology, and User Centered Design
  - Coordinator of the Applied Cognitive Psychology Sub-plan and the Human Factors/Ergonomics Certificate at UHCL.
  
• RESEARCH GOAL: contribute to theories of Cognitive Psychology necessary for these professionals to be successful
  - mechanisms associated with acquisition and use of efficient methods,
  - optimal designs for interactive auditory displays, and
  - the incorporation of simulations in the teaching of statistics.

Teaching :

Applied Cognitive Psychology Sub-plan & the Human Factors/Ergonomics Certificate at UHCL

Through an integrated sequence of coursework, practicum, research, and hands on activities, UHCL’S Applied Cognitive Psychology Sub-plan is designed to focus on Human Factors and thus provides students with a well-rounded foundation in: psychology, the user centered design process, and the methods used to evaluate human-machine interfaces. Students will obtain basic competency in perception, cognition, and information processing systems as well as how to apply this knowledge to the design of the Human-Machine interface. Practicum and research experiences will be provided in laboratory and industrials settings. All students will complete a major research project prior to graduation. The sub-plan includes a course sequence that can prepare the student to take the exam to become a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) or Certified Human Factors Professional (CHFP). Furthermore, graduates will be prepared to pursue doctoral degrees in psychology with a focus on the human machine interface. Some of the industry partners with this program include: Schlumberger, Exxon, Chevron, Lockheed, and United Space Alliance.

For information and application forms for the Applied Cognitive Psychology Program, download this document <pdf>. For more information, email me.

The Human Factors/Ergonomics Certificate is designed for individuals who have already earned a master’s degree in Psychology or a related discipline and who would like to complete the coursework that would prepare them for the Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) or Certified Human Factors Professional (CHFP) exam. UHCL has the only Master’s program in the state of Texas explicitly designed to prepare people to work in industry upon graduation. For details of the certificate, download this document <pdf>. For more information, email me.

Cool new technology:
Napkin PC Enables High-Tech Doodling
by Lisa Zyga
The technology includes a "napkin" holder filled with e-paper napkins, as well as a place for colored pens. When someone gets an inspiration, they simply grab a napkin and start doodling with one of the pens. The pen uses short-range RF technology to send data to the napkin interface. The pen and napkin can also communicate to a base station PC in the napkin holder using long-range RF.

Example of career opportunities in Human Factors and Human Computer Interaction:
Fresh Starts: Technology's Untanglers: They Make It Really Work by Barbara Whitaker
The work of usability professionals, who bridge the gap between the makers and users of a product, has recently developed into a solid career track.
New York Times: BUSINESS / YOUR MONEY | July 8, 2007

Classes - Spring 2008:

PSYC/SOCI 6037 (sec 01/02) Research Design & Statistics
PSYC 6011 Advanced Statistics Seminar

Office Hours - Spring 2008:

Monday, 9am - 12pm
Thursday, 4pm - 7pm
or by appointment

Research: My specific research interests are varied and fall into three major categories:

1) Learning software: The factors associated with the utilization of efficient strategies when issuing commands in a GUI (Graphical User Interface) environment and how to improve users' efficiency.

2) Auditory Displays: Specifically, the sonification of statistical graphs and how the dimensions of sound used in those graphs impact users' performances and the use of auditory displays for dynamic tasks like operating a robotic arm for the shuttle.

3) Use of simulations in teaching: How the use of computer based simulations and animations impact learning, particularly when teaching statistics and neurotransmission and whether the use of computer animations/simulations effects a learner's motivation.

Recent Presentations:

Houston HFES and INCOSE:
The presentation (11/16/06) from the joint meeting of Houston HFES and INCOSE (co-authored with Danielle Smith and Carroll Thronesbery) is available for download <.ppt>.

ICOTS7:
If you are interested in the simulations from the website "Online Statistics: An Interactive Multimedia Course of Study," the link is http://www.onlinestatbook.com. The simulations can be found by clicking on the link "List of Simulations and Demonstration." Also, here are the slides from my ICOTS7 presentation (paper co-authored with David M. Lane).