Juliana Parma is researching how factors, such as motivation, benefit the learning of motor skills, and how the brain affects and is affected by these factors.
Juliana Parma won first place in the oral presentation category, University-Wide Graduate Student Winners in Human Sciences, Social Sciences, Creative Arts, Nursing and Humanities.
Student Research Spotlight - Juliana Parma
Juliana Parma won first place in the oral presentation category, University-Wide Graduate Student Winners in Human Sciences, Social Sciences, Creative Arts, Nursing and Humanities, during the virtual 2021 Auburn Research: Student Symposium.
Hometown: Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Major and degree: Doctorate in Kinesiology
College: College of Education
Department: School of Kinesiology
Class year: 2023
Faculty mentor: Matthew Miller
Stay Positive: A Meta-Analysis of Enhanced Expectancies on Motor Learning
What are you researching?
I investigate how factors, such as motivation, benefit the learning of motor skills, and how the brain affects and is affected by these factors. More specifically, in this project we reviewed the literature to estimate the effect of enhancing learners’ expectancies for future successful outcomes during practice on learning.
How could the results benefit individuals, agencies or companies?
We were able to identify some simple and low-cost strategies that can be used for researchers, coaches and physical therapists to enhance motor learning. With some easy adaptations of their practice session, it is possible to affect learners’ motivation and to strengthen their memory of the practiced motor skill.
Tell us why you enjoy research.
Researching for me is the relentless search for the truth, with the certainty that there will always be something more to be found. It forces us to look at everything from different angles, to adapt and to be open-minded—and it is exactly why it excites me.
What advice would you give to other students considering doing a research project?
Plan ahead as much as possible and be transparent. Every study has its strengths and weakness, and you just need to be upfront about them. And, of course, research something that truly intrigues you.
Tell us about any hobbies or activities you enjoy.
I love spending time with my friends, traveling, playing volleyball and binge-watching TV shows (possibly more than I should); and the struggle of learning new motor skills.
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