Discover the Student-Led Research

in Langer’s Lab

Student-Led Research

From Summer 2024 to Spring 2025, a group of selected high school students engaged in an immersive journey to explore mindfulness in the respective areas of biomedical engineering, neuroscience, sports management, and finance and economics. Under the guidance of Dr. Ellen Langer, they grounded themselves in the theory of mindfulness, then led original research projects as collaborative teams. They engaged in hands-on data collection and data analysis activities, giving them opportunities to understand the inquiry process in science and contribute to valuable new knowledge in the growing area of mindful research. This unique opportunity reflects Dr. Langer’s enduring commitment to nurturing young minds and advancing the global conversation on mindfulness.

Economics and Business

To what extent does induced mindfulness affect the quality of consumer decision-making, as measured by choice consistency, satisfaction, and post-choice regret, in young adult participants in a controlled experimental setting? (2025)

Abstract

This research examines the role of induced mindfulness in consumer satisfaction and emotional stability related to financial decisions. Prompted by the increasing bankruptcy rates and impulsive financial behaviors in South Korea, the experiment aimed to determine whether a brief mindfulness intervention could support better judgment and reduce stress during consumer choices. Participants were randomly assigned into either a mindfulness or control group and completed a simulated shopping task. Mindfulness was induced using a brief cognitive exercise designed to increase awareness and reduce automaticity…..

Survey Platform: Mood and Money

Neuroscience

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of an induced state of mindfulness, as defined by Ellen Langer, on participants’ neuro cognitive performance. Langerian mindfulness emphasizes creative awareness and openness to novel observations in one’s immediate context. To assess baseline and post-study mindfulness levels, participants completed the Langer Mindfulness Scale (LMS), a validated self-report measure. Cognitive performance was evaluated through three online tasks designed to measure three-dimensional visualization, reaction time, and short-term memory span…..

Survey Platform: Mind Over Game

To what extent does an induced state of mindfulness influence performance in neurocognitive tasks such as spatial recognition, reaction speed, and short-term memory? (2025)

Sports and Physical Health

To what extent does the induction of mindfulness enhance cognitive performance and task accuracy in sports-related digital environments? (2025)

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of induced mindfulness on task performance in a sports-related context. A mobile application and custom-built website were developed to administer two AR-based game tasks, designed to evaluate performance in sport-relevant functions. Participants were randomly assigned to either a mindfulness group, which received a brief mindfulness-inducing intervention, or a control group that completed a comparable but non-mindful activity. Performance scores from both groups were compared to examine whether mindfulness contributed to improved outcomes.….

Survey Platform: Sports and the mind

Biology and Chemistry

How does mindfulness induction influence mood, anxiety, and stress levels during physical pose exercises? (2025)

Abstract

This study investigates the role of mindfulness in enhancing an individual's concentration and performance during a rehabilitation exercise. Drawing on Ellen Langer’s definition of “mindfulness,” a state characterized by activeness, openness to novelty, and context sensitivity, the study examined how mindfulness affects task engagement and execution. A total of 80 participants completed pre- and post-task psychological surveys; the main task involved a 20-minute guided rehabilitation exercise. The findings revealed a significant correlation between mindfulness and the level of performance on exercises…..

Survey Platform: Mind and motion

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