Section: Research

Karen Lionello-DeNolf, Ph.D.

Academic Role: Assistant Professor

Faculty Appointment(s) In:
   Psychiatry
   Shriver Center

Area of Research: Relational Learning and Categorization Ability

Many species have demonstrated concept formation ability. For example, populations ranging from pigeons to humans with developmental disability have shown the ability to classify dissimilar items into categories based on a similar function between the items in the group. Across-species differences appear, however, depending upon the type of classification required. For instance, few nonhumans have demonstrated the ability to classify items on the basis of stimulus equivalence, while humans (both typically developing and those with developmental disabilities) have. This has raised the question as to whether language ability is a prerequisite for this type of symbolic behavior. Dr. Lionello-DeNolf’s main research interest is determining the necessary conditions under which categorization ability develops and whether its development is related to linguistic capacity. Her current research focuses on two populations that lack language ability: autistic children and rodents. Ongoing projects include 1) A study of low-functioning autistic children to determine if humans who lack language ability can classify stimuli on the basis of stimulus equivalence; and 2) A study of rats to determine if they can demonstrate some of the basic properties of stimulus equivalence. The long-term goal of this latter project is to develop a rodent model of mental retardation that can then be used to advance our understanding of these processes in children with mental retardation. Work with both populations involves innovative teaching/training strategies and equipment that are not typically utilized.

Ongoing Projects

Office: Shriver
Phone: 508-460-3415
E-mail: Karen.Lionello-DeNolf@umassmed.edu

More on Karen Lionello-DeNolf's Research Research | Publications | Biography View All Sections on One Page