Research

Currently, Navigation Lab Leiden works on three main themes: navigation ability, spatial abilities, novel techniques in neuropsychology.

Navigation ability

Navigation ability is typically characterized by large variation between individuals. We study how factors like age and gender, but also spatial experience and spatial anxiety affect navigation performance.

In addition to navigation ability, we also study navigation disability. Over the years, we have assessed the in particular after acquired brain injury, getting lost is a frequent problem, for which very little standardized tools are available. At our Navigation Lab, we aim to provide such tools. Moreover, as one of the first cognitive abilities to decline with age in both healthy and pathological aging, we focus on aging effects in navigation impairment.

Spatial abilities

Individual differences are also found for spatial abilities in general. We study which factors predict these individual differences and how they can be used in an applied sense. We collaborate with the surgical medicine department at the Leiden University Medical Center on optimizing anatomical education, taking into consideration students’ levels of spatial abilities.

Novel techniques in neuropsychology

Numerous technological advances can be of use in neuropsychology. We study how diagnostic tests and treatment protocols can be optimized by means of digital tools, such as touch screens, virtual reality displays and serious gaming applications.