I am a member of the Lancaster-Warwick-Stirling Node of the ESRC National Centre for Research Methods. We focus on the development of statistical modelling in the social sciences. We are exploring solutions to the problematic use of repeated measures ANOVA in analysing longitudinal categorical data. Our analyses involve the use of mixed-effects logistic regression models and latent transition analysis. These methods are currently being applied to a set of data which focuses on the development of executive functions and false belief understanding in preschool aged children.

Although I have a variety of research interests in cognition and cognitive development, my primary interest is in the the development of problem solving skills. My PhD examined how self-explanation influenced strategy change using anlogical reasoning tasks. We employed the microgenetic methodology which has proved to be an invaluable tool for examining change as it is happening.

I am also currently involved in a project that aims to examine the impact of working with other people on their ability to produce random sequences with Dr John Towse (Lancaster University) and Dr Satoru Saito (University of Kyoto, Japan). This project will provide insights into the effects of collaboration on performance in complex cognitive tasks.

Over the last few years I have also been involved with projects on infant perception of object trajectories (with Prof. Gavin Bremner) and children's comprehension of idioms (with Dr Kate Cain).