The Cognition & Learning Lab is hosted by the Virgina Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC) in Suffolk, Virginia and is under the direction of Dr. Ginger S. Watson, Associate Professor for the Instructional Design and Technology Program (Department of STEM Education and Professional Studies). 

The current research topics explored by the staff of the Cognition & Learning Lab include:

• Instructional Design & Technology
• Simulation
  • Effects and learning in immersive environments
  • Validation of fidelity trade-off 
• Gaming
  • Design and development of educational games
• Modeling & Simulation in Education and Training
  • M&S instructional strategies
  • M&S curriculum development 
• Physical Measurement of Learning
  • Eye Tracking
  • EEG

The lab is divided into two areas:

• Main Room
• Briefing Room 

The Main Room is utilized as the main research area for project implementation. Here participants interact with simulations and/or games for data collection purposes. The equipment in the Main Room includes: Eye Tracker and EEG machine. Additionally, the Main Room is utilized by the lab director and staff as a place to design and develop research projects.  

Adjacent to the Main Room is the Briefing Room. This room serves as an area where participants complete forms (i.e. consent forms, surveys, questionnaires) and ask questions regarding their involvement in the research project. Also, the Briefing Room is where pre and post participation interviews between the research assistants and the participants are held.