Larry Gallagher

Research Social Scientist

Larry Gallagher is a Research Social Scientist in the Center for Technology and Learning. As an undergraduate major in computer science at Dartmouth College, Larry was fascinated by the potential use of computer technology for visualizing mathematical relations. He worked as a software developer at the Institute for Research on Learning before pursuing his Ph.D. in Education at Stanford University. While at Stanford Larry developed a dual interest in both the theoretical underpinnings of learning and cognition, as well as in quantitative models of psychological processes. He worked with Dr. Richard Snow on the Stanford Aptitude Project, investigating the relationship between cognitive abilities and test performance. His dissertation work examined the epistemological orientation of adolescents, particularly how teenagers adapt different "rules" for critical thinking, depending on the contexts of the problem at hand. Larry is continuing his interest in cognition and measurement on the SimCalc project, which studies the feasibility of teaching complex and conceptually difficult mathematics to middle and high school aged children. He also serves as a general quantitative modeling resource for CTL, and continues to teach a course in research methods at Santa Clara University.

Education 

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Current Projects at CTL

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