Language & Mind Lab

My research seeks to unveil human nature and our intuitive understanding of it.

To shed light on human nature, I explore the human capacity for language using phonology as a case study. I examine whether phonology is constrained by abstract universal principles, and whether these principles are shared across language modalities—speech and sign. My approach is highly programmatic and interdisciplinary. I study diverse populations—adult speakers of multiple spoken languages, signed languages, children and infants—and a wide array of tools, ranging from behavioral experiments to brain methods.

A recent line of research asks how laypeople reason about human nature. My lab examines how our core intuitive knowledge shapes how we reason about what we know and who we are.

As a second-year student pursuing majors in Computer Science and Cognitive Psychology, with minors in Ethics and German, I serve as the president of AI NU (Northeastern’s AI Club). My fascination lies in the interplay of human nature with the world and how harnessing computing power can deepen our comprehension of ourselves and reality.

Hi, my name is Curie Cha, and I am a second-year Computer Science and Biology student with a minor in Psychology. I am interested in understanding human behavior through research and experimental means, with the ultimate goal of improving my community. I am specifically intrigued by the lab’s endeavor to uncover human psychological biases. Furthermore, I am interested by how these behaviors interact with technology, and how the two disciplines can be utilized to gain new information.

My full name is Evangelos but I go by Evan. I’m from central Massachusetts and I’m a second year. I’m a Health Sciences and Psychology major. I’m very interested in the lab because I’ve always wanted to do experimental research about the complexities of human behavior which is exactly what we seem to be doing. In order to achieve that, I must contribute to research in order to learn about it. I’m specifically interested in research at the intersection of Psychology and health. I’m very excited to contribute to this research.

Hannah Ferguson is a fifth year Psychology and Music major with German and Music Industry minors. Hannah’s research experience includes working as an assistant to Dr. Carolin Fuchs of the World Language Department, as well as participating as a Research Assistant in Dr. Iris Berent’s MIND Lab, both for almost 2 years. Hannah is also involved in the Northeastern University Symphony Orchestra as a cellist, is a peer tutor, and loves to read, exercise, and play music in her free time.

I’m Thira, a 4th year behavioral neuroscience major, originally from Bangkok, Thailand. I am interested in innate behaviors and biases. In the Language & Mind lab, I hope to learn more about dualism bias.

I am a junior Psychology major with a minor in Criminal Justice and Sociology. I am interested in this lab because I want to learn more about the mind and body and how they interact.

Undergraduates at Northeastern University can join our lab as  volunteers or as part of Directed Study Research (PSYC 4991). The lab investigates human nature and our ability to reason about it. Responsibilities include recruiting participants, running participants in psychological experiments, and the preparation of experimental materials.

There is a required commitment of 7-9 weekly hours for 3 credits, including a weekly lab meeting (on Thursday, 3-4 pm).  A strong GPA and some background in computer science,  psychology of language, or cognitive psychology or linguistics are highly desirable. Preference is given to candidates who wish to enroll in research during both the fall and spring terms. Please contact Dr. Iris Berent.