Ashley Waller
She/Her | Post-Baccalaureate Research Assistant
Ashley worked at LUCID from her sophomore year at Chapman up until the end of this summer. She graduated in the spring with a BA in Psychology and minors in Neuroscience and Dance.
What are your research interests?
I think I’m generally interested in cognitive psychology but I’m still finding my niche. Last summer I did a project investigating flow state, and the main project that I’ve worked on in the lab focuses on decision-making and harm.
What drew you to LUCID?
I knew that I wanted to pursue research when I began at Chapman and I heard about it through a club on campus (UNS). I wanted to not just look at behavior but find the mechanisms behind it.
What’s your philosophy on AI?
I think it can be a helpful tool in some cases, but in others cases it should be avoided. I’ve used AI for coding help, and for writing I believe that Grammarly utilizes AI for feedback. In terms of emotional struggles or fully-AI made creations, I think that it could be problematic. To outsource our thinking, creating, and struggling is to outsource our humanity.
Can you describe a research study at LUCID that you have conducted or participated in?
I’ve been working on (and recently leading) the Double Effect project essentially since I started at The Brain Institute (LUCID). It has changed and evolved a decent amount, and I’ve been able to make my own mark on it. The Double Effect project essentially aims to investigate under what conditions individuals are more likely to do harm to another person. We look at overall trends regarding probability, benefit to the individual, presenting outcomes together or separately, and responses times. We also look at individual factors including personality traits, gender, and age.
What’s something you’ve learned in your time at LUCID?
In terms of concrete skills, I would have to say how to collect as well as analyze EEG data. I terms of more abstract skills, I have learned how to take something from just an idea to a full project and poster in a million small steps.
Can you share a fun fact about cognitive psychology?
I’ve always thought the choice paradox was interesting. Although it would seem like having many options would allow someone to make a “better” decision, the reality is contrary. Having too many options creates anxiety and choice paralysis, and leaves people less happy/satisfied with their ultimate choice.
Can you share a fun fact about yourself?
I’ve been dancing since I was two (hence the dance minor). It’s my artistic passion and I believe it balances the “sciency” side of me and helps me be a more well-rounded person.
What’s next for you?
I’m starting a Master’s in Psychological Research at Cal State Fullerton!
