Zuilma Gabríela Sigurðardóttir

Senior Lecturer (UK) - Associate Professor (USA)

  • Starfseining
    Health Sciences - Faculty of Psychology
  • Location
    Oddi
  • Phone
    525 - 4542
  • Email
    zuilma [at] hi.is

Specialization / Research Area

My experiments are in the area of behavior analysis and verbal behavior, on the value of the stimulus equivalence paradigm to understand language acquisition and human communication. My newest research has looked at the value of the stimulus equivalence paradigm to understand some of the symptoms seen in people with Broca's aphasia following a stroke. I also conduct research on the effects of behavioral interventions in pre- and elementary schools with my students who write thesis as parts of the requirements for a BA, MA or Cand.psych. degree from our department. Those research projects often have looked at the effect of behavioral interventions on the behavior of children and/or their parents or on workers in different sites. I have also supervised student proyects that assess the effects of the parenting course SOS-Help for parents on the behavior of participants and their children or the children with whom they work.

Research collaboration

Elementary schools in Reykjavík and other communities in the country, Parents associations in elementary schools and those who have disabled children or with a diagnosis of learning disabilities, The National Evaluation, Diagnostic, and Counceling Centre, Community Service Centers in Reykjavík, The city of Reykjanes, The city of Garðabær, The University Hospital, Reykjalundur hospital and rehabilitation center

Education

Doctoral degree (Ph D) 1992 from Northeastern University - Boston in experimental psychology. My doctoral dissertation was based on a series of experiments in the area of stimulus equivalence.

Mastersdegree (MA) 1989 from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale in Behavior analysis and therapy. My thesis was in the area of stimulus equivalence. See articles published in the Journal of Experimental Analysis of Behavior in 1990 and 1991.

BA degree in psychology 1985 from the University of Iceland.

Professional experience

Associate professor of psychology since 2004

Assistant professor of psychology 1999-2004

Adjunct professor, University of Iceland 1994-1999

Head of department of psychological services to elementary schools in Reykjavík 1996-1999

Project manager of the Regional office for the affairs of the disabled in Reykjavík 1992-1996

Director of a group home for intelectually disabled people 1992

Teaching assistant at Northeastern University 1990-1992

Graduate assistant in a behavior analysis laboratory at the E.K. Shriver Center 1989-1990

Coordinator of a laboratory 1988-1989

Therapist of families who were undert the supervision of the Department of Children and Family Services in Southern Illinois 1986-1988