Development of programs evaluating and supporting cognitive development of disabled children using human sensing technology

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K03389
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 10040:Experimental psychology-related
• Research Institution: Hijiyama University
• Principal Investigator: Yoshida Hiroshi 比治山大学, 現代文化学部, 教授 (00243527)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 障害児 / 認知機能評価 / 発達支援 / ヒューマンセンシング

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In the present study, I have developed programs that can be used for cognitive evaluation and developmental support for children with disabilities by utilizing new sensor technology. Using a touch sensor, it was possible to evaluate children's attention and executive function in games, and to analyze movements in handwriting behavior. Using a gaze sensor, it made possible for children with severe motor disabilities to express their intentions and to evaluate cognitive functions such as attention and memory. Furthermore, using body sensors and VR technology, it became possible to evaluate higher-order cognitive functions such as body image, perspective taking, empathy, and recognition of gaze and facial expressions.

Free Research Field

実験心理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

実験系基礎心理学においては，情報技術を活用したさまざまな実験課題や研究技法が開発され，多くの学術的知見を得てきたが，医療や福祉，教育などの社会の現場においてどれだけ貢献してきたかと問えば，その社会貢献は十分とは言えないだろう。それに対して，本研究では，センサ技術を活用することによって，知的障害や重度身体障害を含む障害児の認知機能の評価や発達支援を可能にするプログラムを開発した。この点において，本研究は，基礎心理学研究の社会貢献についてひとつの可能性を示したと言える。