Sara Davis

I am an experimental cognitive psychologist, and throughout my career I have focused on applying a strong theoretical framework to applied domains.  In particular, my work has focused on how memory functions in both forensic and educational contexts.

First, I am interested in factors that influence the accuracy of eyewitnesses.  When an individual witnesses a crime, they may be required to answer questions or identify an individual out of a lineup.  I am most interested in what factors might increase or decrease the accuracy of eyewitnesses, and what evidence investigators can use to determine whether an eyewitness is more or less likely to be accurate.  

In the field of education, I am interested in the way that retrieval practice (e.g., testing, quizzing) might enhance memory.   We know that taking tests can enhance memory for tested material.  However, tests can also enhance learning that occurs after the test.  I am currently investigating factors that might influence this beneficial effect, including doseage (e.g., how much information is tested), frequency (e.g., how often should one test), and quality (e.g., what types of tests are most helpful).