LEAD Lab Research

We work to optimize outcomes for children with developmental language disorders by identifying factors that affect their learning.

Current and Past Research Projects

Feedback-based learning in children with developmental language disorder (DLD)

The goal of this line of research is to evaluate whether children with DLD learn better with feedback (errorful learning) or without feedback (errorless learning).

Understanding the underlying impaired learning mechanism in children with developmental language disorder (DLD)

The goal of this line of research is to better understand what makes learning more challenging for children with DLD. We use behavioral and neurophysiological measures to evaluate neural activity in the brain as it relates to typical and atypical learning. We manipulate teaching parameters to determine the optimal learning conditions for children with DLD.

The role of verbal mediation (self-talk that guides performance) in problem-solving and executive functions of children with developmental language disorder (DLD)

The goal of this line of research is to evaluate whether inefficient use of self-talk by children with DLD affects their performance on complex executive function and problem-solving tasks. We use behavioral and electrophysiological measures to evaluate whether training in the use of verbal mediation can improve executive functioning in children with DLD.

National Institutes of Health R01 (DC018295-01A1): Arbel (PI). Feedback-based learning in children with language impairments, 7/20-6/25

National Institutes of Health F32 (F32DC020095): PI: Baron, Arbel (Mentor). Dissociating verbal mediation and executive function in children with developmental language disorder, 1/22-1/24

National Institutes of Health R15 (R15 DC016438): Arbel (PI). Feedback-based learning in children with language impairments, 6/18-5/21

American Speech-Language Hearing Foundation: PI: Zipse, Arbel (Co-I). A Neurophysiological Examination of Feedback-Based Learning in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, 1/18-12/19

National Science Foundation: Arbel (PI). A neurophysiological examination of developmental changes and individual differences in feedback processing in children, 7/17-6/21

MGH Institute of Health Professions: Arbel (PI). 2014 Faculty Research Fellowship. A neurophysiological examination of individual differences in the efficiency of feedback processing, 7/14-6/15

University of South Florida College of Behavioral & Community Sciences internal grant: Arbel (PI). The Brain Computer Interface (BCI) as a binary switch, 11/09-11/10

American Speech-Language Hearing Foundation: Arbel (PI). 2006 Research Grant Competition for New Investigators. Evaluating the impaired error processing of children with Specific Language Impairment,11/06-11/07