SCSpelman College · Psychology
Blankson Lab
Araba Nayena Blankson · Atlanta, Georgia
Research Focus
Professor Araba Nayena Blankson's research lab at Spelman College investigates how cognitive processes affect children's academic achievement, particularly focusing on reading and math skills among children from various socioeconomic backgrounds. The lab studies the influence of respiratory diseases on educational outcomes and conducts longitudinal assessments to track cognitive development as children transition from preschool through middle school. By identifying factors that contribute to academic success, the lab aims to enhance educational strategies and public health interventions.
academic achievementcognitionsocioeconomic statusrespiratory diseaselongitudinal studyexecutive functioningreading skillsmath skills
Research Aims
4AIM 01Examine cognitive processes in children across different socioeconomic statuses.
AIM 02Analyze the impact of respiratory diseases on children's educational attainment.
AIM 03Investigate reading and math achievement determinants among children.
AIM 04Track cognitive development from preschool through middle school.
Skills the Lab Values
data collectionlongitudinal study designCohort analysisstatistical analysiscognitive testingexecutive function assessmentsliteracy evaluationmathematical assessments
Output against the department
Publications36bottom 5% of dept.280th of 296
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations1.9kbottom 17% of dept.246th of 296
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.