Janet L. Larson
Papers
1
Total Citations
3
H-Index
1
About
Janet L. Larson is a developmental cognitive neuroscientist whose research explores the computational mechanisms underlying motor learning and adaptation across the lifespan. Her work bridges developmental psychology and computational neuroscience, with a particular focus on how children acquire and refine motor skills. In her most cited study, "Computational motor adaptation—a kindergarten skill" (2002, 3 citations), Larson and her colleagues investigated how children aged 6 to 17 adapt to novel force fields during reaching tasks using a robotic interface. This foundational work demonstrated that even young children exhibit sophisticated motor adaptation capabilities, challenging previous assumptions about the developmental trajectory of sensorimotor learning. By applying unpredictable, noisy, viscous force fields to the hand of each subject, Larson revealed that children adapt to environmental perturbations in ways that parallel adult learning, albeit with distinct computational strategies. Her contributions have implications for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders, rehabilitation, and educational interventions. While her citation count remains modest, Larson's work is notable for its innovative use of robotics to probe the developing motor system, establishing her as a thoughtful contributor to the field of motor development and computational motor control.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Computational motor adaptation-a kindergarten skill3 citations · 2002