Research Labs

Detailed information about our laboratories and the research conducted by the members of our department is also available in the catalogues published periodically by the Technology Transfer Office of our university.

Developmental Psychology Labs:

Developmental psychology examines the stability and change throughout the lifespan. The focus of the studies being conducted at Developmental Psychology Labs at Ozyegin University is the investigation of the social and cognitive changes during childhood and adolescence.

1. Child and Family Research Laboratory

The Child and Family Research Laboratory investigates core components of cognitive development in infancy and early childhood, such as language, attention, and self-regulation. Our research explores these developmental domains in relation to social and environmental factors, including parent-child interactions, family characteristics, socioeconomic conditions, and digital media use.

Some of the key research areas within our work include cognitive and linguistic development in preschool-aged children, mother-infant interactions and the factors that influence these interactions, screen media use of both children and parents and its relationship with cognitive development, and the development of attention in infants and the factors that impact it.

Director: Asst. Prof. Berna A. Uzundağ

Web site: https://cocukveailelab.com/home-page/

Social media (posts are in Turkish): https://www.instagram.com/cocukveailelab/

Contact: berna.uzundag@ozyegin.edu.tr

2. Child Development and Learning Studies Lab

Research in our lab focuses on individual and environmental factors affecting children’s development and learning during the early years. We study interactions between children’s temperament and their environment as predictors of child outcomes. Our team in collaboration with other researchers in Turkey currently works on research investigating how home and classroom processes influence children’s social-emotional and academic outcomes.

In addition to research, our lab also works on outreach projects by which we provide training for parents and teachers regarding child development and learning.

Director: Assoc. Prof. İbrahim H. Acar 

Web site: http://labs.ozyegin.edu.tr/cdll/

Contact: cdll@ozyegin.edu.tr 

3. Studies in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood

Research in this lab aims to examine age related changes in developmental tasks, facilitators and frustrators of positive youth development. 

Director: Assoc. Prof. Ayfer Dost-Gözkan

Web site: https://ergenlikvegenclik.ozyegin.edu.tr/ 

Contact: ayfer.dost@ozyegin.edu.tr 

4. The Cultural Resilience and Prosociality Research Center 

The Cultural Resilience and Prosociality (CURE-PR) Research Center at Ozyegin University, founded by Dr. Kumru, is a multidisciplinary research and training center committed to advancing positive social-emotional development and resilience. Its goal is to conduct rigorous research, engage in community outreach, and deliver training programs supporting children, youth, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. 

At the CURE-PR Research Center, we emphasize culturally grounded approaches in both research and outreach initiatives. By offering resources and knowledge in various cultural contexts, we enhance community outreach efforts that highlight the strengths of diverse populations. We also actively cultivate partnerships with national and international universities to promote collaborative research.

Director: Prof. Asiye Kumru

Web site: https://labs.ozyegin.edu.tr/curepr/

Contact:  ozu.cure.pr@gmail.com or asiye.kumru@ozyegin.edu.tr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curepr_ozu/

Social Cognition Laboratory: 

In the Social Cognition Laboratory, we investigate the effects of self and the interactions between the self and other individuals/groups on social decision-making processes such as cooperation and trust, predominantly through experimental studies. The research projects are conducted in collaboration with research partners from various disciplines such as economics, design, and cognitive sciences, as well as from diverse countries. Within the laboratory, the social minds team, consisting of undergraduate students from the ÖZÜ psychology department, contributes to the laboratory through their writings and novel research ideas.

Director: Dr. Pınar Uğurlar

Web site: https://labs.ozyegin.edu.tr/socialcognition/

Contact: socialcognition@ozyegin.edu.tr // pinar.ugurlar@ozyegin.edu.tr

Perception Lab:

We study perceptual, attentional, and motor processes. On the one hand side we address how humans perceive natural and complex scenes by analyzing their responses and gaze patterns. Moreover, we develop experiments addressing the rubber hand illusion and related paradigms.

Director: Dr. Alper Açık 

Human Memory Lab:

Web site: rrl.ozyegin.edu.tr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rrl.ozu.edu.tr

Twitter: https://twitter.com/iliski_lab

The CAPABLE (Cancer Awareness, Physical Activity, Behavior, Lifestyle, & Education) Lab:

The CAPABLE (Cancer Awareness, Physical Activity, Behavior, Lifestyle, & Education) Lab examines behavioral mechanisms underlying some of society’s most pressing current health topics.  In line with the World Health Organization’s Noncommunicable Diseases Targets, the CAPABLE Lab strives to improve current health and prevent future health complications, specifically those complications related to physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary practices, and underutilization of cancer prevention/early detection services. 

Blending the domains of health psychology, sport and exercise psychology, social psychology, and public health, the lab conducts experimental and observational studies to untangle the complex web of health behaviors. The CAPABLE Lab prides itself on the relationship between academic staff and students to not only conduct cutting-edge research but to train the next generation of scientists.  At the Özyeğin CAPABLE Lab, you are capable.