Reader in Cognitive Science Associate Director, Centre for Applied Psychological and Health Research Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences University of Huddersfield Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH, UK +44 (0) 1484-473-620 (voice) +44 (0) 1484-473-760 (fax) d.peebles [at] hud [dot] ac [dot] uk
Research My main research interests lie in the area of cognitive modelling, specifically in attempting to understand the complex interaction between cognitive, perceptual and motor processes in reasoning and problem solving with external representations of information such as diagrams, computer interfaces and maps. My primary research activity over the last few years has been the development of a theoretical account of diagrammatic reasoning with Cartesian (x-y co-ordinate) graphs and other diagrams. The methodology I employ involves combining high-density temporal data (e.g., eye movements, verbal protocols and motor interactions) with performance data to obtain a fine grained image of the user's interaction with the diagram throughout the entire course of the problem solving task. I then use the ACT-R cognitive architecture to develop computational models as it incorporates mechanisms for cognition, perception and motor control, enabling the simulation of visual attention on diagram elements and manual interactions with the computer.   |  |