Fai Poungpeth
SURG
Please provide a brief summary of your research.
This past summer, I investigated the relationship between spatial cognition and global vs. local processing of undergraduate students. To measure spatial cognition, I used results from undergraduate student performance of the block design task (BDT). In this task, participants were provided a 2D pattern and had to use 3D blocks called SCUBEs to replicate them, where each block would consist of red faces, white faces, and faces which were half red and half right. Performances were scored through a system I developed, which took factors such overall erroneous actions and performance efficiency into consideration. It was then correlated with participants’ global vs local processing, which is a measure of the degree of holistic processing in comparison to their level of detail orientedness. This was measured through a survey which participants were given, where they were provided a series shapes composed of smaller but different shapes (eg: a square made up of a series of small triangles). Participants then had to indicate whether they thought the image better resembled the larger shape, which would suggest global processing, or the smaller shapes, which would suggest local processing.
What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I was first introduced to the use of SCUBEs to better understand spatial cognition in a DevSci Networking event, where the graduate students working on this project presented their work. I found the SCUBEs themselves to be quite fascinating, as they have been engineered to detect movement in order to more efficiently and effectively measure participant performance. The use of technology to better understand human behaviour is something that has always intrigued me, as its rapid development is causing it to become increasingly integrated into our lives. Furthermore, spatial cognition was something which I was still quite unfamiliar with at the time, which was why I thought it would be extremely meaningful to further explore this aspect of cognitive science/psychology. The findings from this research can also be applied in educational settings to help improve STEM learning, which provided a strong sense of purpose for what I was doing.
What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I believe that research is a path which can impact both me and the people around me quite significantly. In the short run, it is the perfect way to explore and discover who I am and what I am passionate about. As for the long run, the findings of my research can be applied in such a variety of fields and thus impact a very wide and diverse range of people. More specifically, doing interdisciplinary research can be especially meaningful because it allows for the questions I investigate to connect more closely to the real world. Factors which may not directly relate to the academic field I am focus on can be more easily taken into consideration and therefore maximize the potential it has to impact people.
Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
My experience with research so far has been great. Summer research specifically has allowed me to grow from both academically and personally. From an academic standpoint, I was able to strengthen my understanding of exploratory psychological research. In the past, I was taught to follow a strict procedure with a clear question to be answered. However, I have learned that doing so doesn’t allow for the flexibility necessary to account for the complexity and broad range of factors that can influence the variable to be investigated. In regards to this study specifically, I had the opportunity to explore the various methods of processing the same data. I also had to learn how to make procedural decisions, run experiments, and present my research in various forms. As for my personal growth, my summer experience has strengthened my integrity, proactivity, as well as flexibility. I was expected to manage my own time with the big tasks I had to complete, which required a high amount of diligence in order to get the necessary work done. Although I was working with graduate students on the project, I still had a lot of freedom for decision making, which required me to confidence as well as courage to reach out for help. In addition, it was the first time that I had to work with children in an academic setting, which was out of my comfort zone. Overall, I am extremely grateful to have worked on this project and hope to use the skills I have obtained in future research projects as well.
Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
I would highly encourage anyone interested in pursuing undergraduate research to do so. Even if they don’t know where exactly their interests lie, getting involved in any form of research can be very meaningful. I believe that trying things out will allow students to more easily discover what they like and don’t like. In addition, research in general provides you with skills that can be applied in other settings in the future, meaning that it will still be beneficial even if what they first do is not something they’re passionate about. One students do get involved, I would encourage students to have the confidence to express their thoughts and questions they may have. Doing so is what is going to allow students to gain the most from their experience.