Research Projects

We leverage our interdisciplinary team of researchers to combine methods and techniques from a variety of areas including behavioral measures and paper-and-pencil assessments, online assessments, archival analysis of existing records, biological markers, and neurophysiology through the use of our 64 channel EEG suite. Our team's deep knowledge and experience allows us to adopt existing methodologies and techniques as well as develop novel approaches and methodologies to address research questions in our areas of study. Currently, projects conducted through the Center for Dyslexia Research Laboratory fall within one or more of three major areas.

Classification and Identification

These projects focus on understanding potential differences amongst individuals as they relate to reading abilities and learning to read. Classification projects address research questions such as:

How do we identify individuals with reading difficulties?
How do we differentiate between individuals who struggle with reading?
Does an understanding of an individuals strengths and weaknesses inform instructional planning?

Current Classification and Identification Projects

Resiliency and Persistence
High School Reading Profiles
Mapping the Topography of Reading Skills
Morphological Awareness

Instructional Methods

These projects focus on understanding how best to deliver instruction to individuals in order to help them learn to read. Instructional projects address research questions such as:

What components of instruction are crucial to helping an individual with dyslexia and related learning differences learn to read?
How can instruction be delivered to maximize learning outcomes?
What skills do poor responders struggle to develop across childhood?

Current Instructional Methods Projects

Instructional Components to Effective Intensive Intervention
Multisensory Language Intervention

Teacher Training

These projects focus on understanding how to teach the people who work with struggling readers to help them to learn to read. Teacher training projects address research questions such as:

What kinds of knowledge are needed in order to be an effective instructor for individuals with dyslexia?
What is the impact of instruction coaching and practicum experiences?
How can technology be leveraged to support and enhance teacher training?

Current Teacher Training Projects

Arkansas State Wide Teacher Training Initiative
AIM Institute Digital Wave
IMSLEC Efficacy Study