US Census Bureau

Alumna, Center for Survey Measurement - Human Factors and Usability Laboratory

Other Affiliations: Boston University, Center for Digital Imaging Arts

User Experience Researcher; Research Psychologist

About

My primary research interests are in successful cognitive aging.  Currently, I am examining aging and human-computer interaction and how to improve usability of Web sites and Web-based surveys for older adults.

In undergrad, I studied memory training and the effects on cognition in healthy older adults.  In graduate school, I studied implicit sequence learning in healthy older adults and experienced videogamers and piano-players, and long-term retention of implicitly learned skills. 

Over the past two years, as a post-doc, I have researched cognitive aging and Internet use.  My main area of study has involved examining differences in the way older and younger users interact with Web sites and Web-based surveys and how to improve the design of Web sites, Web-based surveys, and questionnaires for all users, including older users.  I have also worked on projects that aim to improve usability metrics and Web data collection instruments.

Here are some of the world's problems that I am attempting to solve now:

SEARCH STRATEGY AND AGE AFFECT PERFORMANCE AND EYE MOVEMENT IN A USABILITY STUDY: The study examined search strategy, eye movement patterns, cognition, questionnaire responses and usability performance in young, middle-age and older adults.

DISPLAY MATTERS: EXAMINING VISUAL DISPLAY OPTIONS IN WEB-BASED SURVEYS: A preliminary usability study demonstrated differences in user satisfaction depending on location of Next and Previous.  An experimental study has just been completed that compares placement of Next and Previous buttons.  An experimental study has also begun that compares various ways to display response format (vertical or horizontal; long lists in alphabetical vs. random order) and introduction text (on one page, three pages or embedded in survey).

IMPROVING USABILITY MEASUREMENT: These studies examine various usability methods and how to improve data collection.

AGE-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN REPORTED MARITAL AND WIDOWHOOD STATUS ON THE ACS: The study will use various versions of selected ACS questions about marital status to determine the best way to ask the questions to get accurate responses.  When comparing ACS data to public records, the client discovered invalid responses from older adults.

SUCCESSFUL COGNITIVE AGING: These studies have examined how playing piano, playing video games and being bilingual can act as protectors of cognitive decline.

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