Chiara Pecini
Papers
6
Total Citations
375
H-Index
5
About
Chiara Pecini is a pioneering developmental psychologist whose research sits at the intersection of cognitive neuroscience, educational technology, and special education. Her primary focus is on **Executive Functions (EFs)** —the higher-order cognitive processes essential for learning and behavior—and how they can be strengthened through **Educational Robotics (ER)** . Pecini’s landmark 2017 pilot study, cited over 200 times, was among the first to demonstrate that programming robots can significantly improve EFs in typically developing preschoolers. She has since extended this work to children with Down syndrome and other special educational needs, showing that ER is a powerful, inclusive tool for cognitive empowerment. Her 2020 randomized controlled trial with 5- and 6-year-olds, and her studies on robot programming to enhance planning and critical reasoning, have collectively garnered hundreds of citations, establishing her as a leading voice in the field. By bridging developmental psychology and hands-on technology, Pecini has shown that the simple act of teaching a robot to move can unlock profound cognitive growth in children of all abilities.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2Educational Robotics in Down Syndrome: A Feasibility Study62 citations · 2018
- 3
- 4
- 5Robot Programming to Empower Higher Cognitive Functions in Early Childhood13 citations · 2019
- 6