Mary Whatley

Psychology
Biography
Education
- Ph D, University of California Los Angeles
- MS, University of California Los Angeles
- BS, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Teaching Interests
Dr. Whatley teaches courses in research methods/statistics (PSY 271 and 272) and cognitive psychology (PSY 844, PSY 446).
Research Interests
Dr. Whatley is interested in the motivational factors that contribute to successful learning and memory across the adult lifespan. Her research examines how information value, curiosity, and learning goals affect how and how well people learn, both in the classroom and in everyday life, and how these factors change as we get older. She is also interested in factors related to successful aging and the relationship between cognition and successful aging.<br><br><b>I am accepting graduate students for the 2026-2027 academic year.</b> Students interested in joining the lab should send an email with their resume and a brief description of their interests.<br><br>Lab website: https://affiliate.wcu.edu/memorylab/