The overarching goal of Investigating Technological Relationships – Applied Cognition and Teaming (InTeRACT) Lab is to investigate humans' underlying cognitive mechanisms and perceptions of nonhumans, applying findings to the design of effective human-agent teams. The current focus is on human-AI interaction as it is a prominent technology at present, but the scope of lab interests is not constrained to artificial intelligence. Current and recent projects include assessing AI Decision Support Systems for pilots, perceptions of AI therapists, investigating the influence of anthropomorphism in AI, development of an AI tutor for students in an introductory psychology course and a comparison of qualitative analysis with human vs AI raters. Additionally, the lab has ongoing collaborations with College of Aviation, College of Engineering, Math and Humanities departments, and other labs within Human Factors.
Equipment
- Three participant data collection stations
Recent Publications
Frankenfield, J., Sobel, B. M., Chaparro, B. (in press). The use of artificial intelligence systems in mental health treatment: A thematic review. Proceedings of the 2026 International Symposium on Human Factors and Ergonomics in Health Care.
Hinojosa, A., Shah, K., Deck, C., & Sobel, B.M. (2026, April 17). Social Attributions of Moving Shapes: Comparing Qualitative Analyses of Humans vs AI [Poster Presentation]. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Discovery Day, Daytona Beach FL.
Shah, K., Hinojosa, A., Deck, C., & Sobel, B.M (2026, Apil 17). A Qualitative Analysis of Human-AI Interaction Through Animated Shapes [Poster Presentation]. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Discovery Day, Daytona Beach FL.
Srivastava, A., Giordano, N., Jin, M., & Sobel, B.M. (2026, April 17). Do AI-Based Decision Support Systems Land? Investigating Framed Accuracy of Artificial Intelligence on Pilot Performance [Poster Presentation]. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Discovery Day, Daytona Beach FL.
Yusupova, U., & Sobel, B.M. (2026, April 17). Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Mental Health: Perceptions of AI Therapists vs Human Therapists [Poster Presentation]. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Discovery Day, Daytona Beach, FL.
Srivastava, A., & Sobel, B.M. (2025, November 19). Artificial Intelligence in Aviation: Benefits, Concerns, and Regulations [Poster Presentation]. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Student Research Symposium, Daytona Beach FL.
Deck, C., Montano, E., & Sobel, B.M. (2025, November 19). Mapping Coziness: Player Schemas and the Perceived Boundaries of the Cozy Game Genre [Poster Presentation]. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Student Research Symposium, Daytona Beach FL.
Srivastava, A., Ackerman, H., & Sobel, B.M. (2025, April 16). Examining the Implications of Incorporating Artificial Intelligence as a Teammate in Aviation: Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions [Poster Presentation]. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Discovery Day, Daytona Beach FL.
Lab Director
Assistant Professor
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology
- College of Arts and Sciences
Related Resources
Contact Us
Dr. Briana Van FossenCollege of Arts & Sciences, Rm. 401.29
Daytona Beach, FL 32144