DR. Howard Zelaznik

Professor
Department of Health and Kinesiology

Contact

Lambert Fieldhouse, Room 205D
(765) 494-5601
hnzelaz@purdue.edu

Education

PhD, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
MS, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
BS, Brooklyn College (CUNY), Brooklyn, NY

Research Interests

Motor control; Movement coordination and timing

DR. Howard Zelaznik
CV
Google scholar profile
Researchgate

Research description

Professor Zelaznik examines theoretical issues in movement coordination and movement timing. Recently, he has proposed a new framework to explain timing processes in discrete tasks versus continuous tasks. Discrete tasks utilize an explicit, event timing system in which the central nervous system possesses a representation of the timed interval. Continuous tasks, on the other hand, are indirectly timed by the use of emergent timing. In emergent timing the central nervous system controls other variables of the movement trajectory, with the temporal properties emerging from this control process. These processes are studied in normal individuals (Purdue work) and in individuals with a compromised cerebellum (UC Berkeley collaboration).

Current research projects

  1. Individual differences in Fitts’ Law Performance
  2. Unifying Fitts’ Law and the Linear Speed Accuracy Trade-off (Schmidt, Zelaznik’s Law)

Current Students

Han Eol Kim (Health and Kinesiology)
Expected Degree: PhD

Past Students

Breanna Studenka (PhD – 2008)
Dissertation: Error Correction Timing Behavior in Tapping and Circle Drawing
Assistant Professor, Utah State University