Cognitive Development Laboratory: Research on the Brain and Mind Supporting Development

Our laboratory aims to clarify the development of children's brains and minds, and to provide appropriate understanding and support for developmental disorders and learning difficulties.

In our laboratory, we take two major approaches toward this goal. The first is basic research. We conduct psychological experiments targeting various mental functions such as children's vision, hearing, social skills, and motor functions. Through experiments, we analyze these functions and the underlying brain functions to scientifically clarify the causes of developmental difficulties. Such basic knowledge provides little direct benefit to children or their families. However, by providing data-based findings, we believe we can remove misunderstandings and prejudices regarding children's difficulties—such as being labeled as a "lack of effort" or "just playing around"—and lead to appropriate understanding throughout society.

The second is clinical activity. We conduct assessments and provide support for children with developmental difficulties. By actually interacting with children and performing intelligence and cognitive function tests, we identify the characteristics of each child. We then provide support methods tailored to each individual's characteristics and develop new support technologies. Our activities are centered in the Graduate School of Human Relations training rooms on campus, and off-campus, we collaborate with medical institutions as well as kindergartens, schools, and administrative bodies such as the Curriculum Advisory Committee.

These research projects and activities can never be achieved by a faculty member alone. Therefore, students and graduate students play the leading roles in our laboratory, and we hope to continue working together with all of you.