Yuko Munakata
@yukomunakata.bsky.social
Prof @UCDavis. Cognitive control - influences, consequences, mechanisms, variations, developments. Mom, boarder, pursuer of Quadrant 2.
Pinned
Yuko Munakata
@yukomunakata.bsky.social
· Oct 11
1/ I've long wondered why executive function in childhood predicts life outcomes. Why does juggling information in mind, shifting between tasks, and controlling our impulses matter so much? I'm increasingly convinced that our early answers missed something fundamental. #PsychSciSky #DevPsychSky
UC Davis is hiring! A tenure-track assistant professor of psychology, in human cognition or cognitive neuroscience #psychjobs recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07300
Assistant Professor of Psychology - Human Cognition or Cognitive Neuroscience
University of California, Davis is hiring. Apply now!
recruit.ucdavis.edu
September 8, 2025 at 7:57 PM
UC Davis is hiring! A tenure-track assistant professor of psychology, in human cognition or cognitive neuroscience #psychjobs recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07300
Reposted by Yuko Munakata
I haven't actively studied EF for a while, b/c I wasn't sure what new approache(s) I can take to adequately address those concerns. It turned out that @yukomunakata.bsky.social—a good friend since grad school—also experienced similar changes in the way she views EF (see her own 🧵👇). (10/12)
1/ I've long wondered why executive function in childhood predicts life outcomes. Why does juggling information in mind, shifting between tasks, and controlling our impulses matter so much? I'm increasingly convinced that our early answers missed something fundamental. #PsychSciSky #DevPsychSky
June 18, 2025 at 2:57 AM
I haven't actively studied EF for a while, b/c I wasn't sure what new approache(s) I can take to adequately address those concerns. It turned out that @yukomunakata.bsky.social—a good friend since grad school—also experienced similar changes in the way she views EF (see her own 🧵👇). (10/12)
Reposted by Yuko Munakata
Earlier, I posted a 🧵 about the articles that students liked in my graduate course on executive function (EF)👇.
In this new 🧵 (the last one based on this class, I promise!), I thought I'd share some of the thoughts I had while teaching this course. If you’re interested in EF, read on. (1/12)
In this new 🧵 (the last one based on this class, I promise!), I thought I'd share some of the thoughts I had while teaching this course. If you’re interested in EF, read on. (1/12)
I taught a graduate course on executive function (EF) in the spring. Before I forget, I thought I'd tell you about the readings students liked the best (at the end of the semester, I asked students to vote for their favorite papers, excl. any of mine). Here are the top vote getters. 🧵 (1/6)
June 18, 2025 at 2:57 AM
Earlier, I posted a 🧵 about the articles that students liked in my graduate course on executive function (EF)👇.
In this new 🧵 (the last one based on this class, I promise!), I thought I'd share some of the thoughts I had while teaching this course. If you’re interested in EF, read on. (1/12)
In this new 🧵 (the last one based on this class, I promise!), I thought I'd share some of the thoughts I had while teaching this course. If you’re interested in EF, read on. (1/12)
Reposted by Yuko Munakata
Finally out! For the first time, The Lancet has published a critical paper on the science of Early Childhood Development (#ECD).
As an interdisciplinary team of authors, we call on the ECD field move beyond the widespread use of deficit-based models.
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
As an interdisciplinary team of authors, we call on the ECD field move beyond the widespread use of deficit-based models.
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Beyond deficit models in early childhood development science
We appreciate the efforts of the Lancet Series, Early Childhood Development and the
Next 1000 Days, to draw attention to the needs of young children in low-income and
middle-income countries (LMICs).1...
www.thelancet.com
June 13, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Finally out! For the first time, The Lancet has published a critical paper on the science of Early Childhood Development (#ECD).
As an interdisciplinary team of authors, we call on the ECD field move beyond the widespread use of deficit-based models.
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
As an interdisciplinary team of authors, we call on the ECD field move beyond the widespread use of deficit-based models.
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Reposted by Yuko Munakata
I taught a graduate course on executive function (EF) in the spring. Before I forget, I thought I'd tell you about the readings students liked the best (at the end of the semester, I asked students to vote for their favorite papers, excl. any of mine). Here are the top vote getters. 🧵 (1/6)
June 7, 2025 at 5:02 PM
I taught a graduate course on executive function (EF) in the spring. Before I forget, I thought I'd tell you about the readings students liked the best (at the end of the semester, I asked students to vote for their favorite papers, excl. any of mine). Here are the top vote getters. 🧵 (1/6)
Reposted by Yuko Munakata
In this commencement season, you may be wondering "why is that thing called a hood, and can I actually wear it like one?" You can, you should.
Here demonstrated w/ @yukomunakata.bsky.social imparting this wisdom at my own graduation.
Here demonstrated w/ @yukomunakata.bsky.social imparting this wisdom at my own graduation.
May 8, 2025 at 3:45 PM
In this commencement season, you may be wondering "why is that thing called a hood, and can I actually wear it like one?" You can, you should.
Here demonstrated w/ @yukomunakata.bsky.social imparting this wisdom at my own graduation.
Here demonstrated w/ @yukomunakata.bsky.social imparting this wisdom at my own graduation.
Reposted by Yuko Munakata
Lifespan development of the PI. My PhD mentor @yukomunakata.bsky.social had a great presentation she would give for new lab members about all the things her former mentors would do that seemed weird at the time but made total sense once she had her own lab, and I am 100% living out that timeline.
April 6, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Lifespan development of the PI. My PhD mentor @yukomunakata.bsky.social had a great presentation she would give for new lab members about all the things her former mentors would do that seemed weird at the time but made total sense once she had her own lab, and I am 100% living out that timeline.
Reposted by Yuko Munakata
Super interesting & well done talk by @yukomunakata.bsky.social to cap off #SRCD25. Executive function is not a static cognitive ability “in the head” of children, but rather is influenced adaptively by environment, habits, and culture.
May 3, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Super interesting & well done talk by @yukomunakata.bsky.social to cap off #SRCD25. Executive function is not a static cognitive ability “in the head” of children, but rather is influenced adaptively by environment, habits, and culture.
Reposted by Yuko Munakata
I wrote an OpEd arguing against funding cuts to NIH and NSF and their devastating impact for the newspaper I grew up with, the Morning Sun, in Pittsburg, Kansas.
Keep spreading the word, wherever you can.
morningsun.net/stories/maki...
Keep spreading the word, wherever you can.
morningsun.net/stories/maki...
Making the case for science - The Morning Sun
I am a research scientist at the Center for Mind and Brain at the University of California, Davis. Before that, I was a student in Pittsburg Community Schools: I started kindergarten at Lakeside and g...
morningsun.net
March 15, 2025 at 8:10 PM
I wrote an OpEd arguing against funding cuts to NIH and NSF and their devastating impact for the newspaper I grew up with, the Morning Sun, in Pittsburg, Kansas.
Keep spreading the word, wherever you can.
morningsun.net/stories/maki...
Keep spreading the word, wherever you can.
morningsun.net/stories/maki...
Reposted by Yuko Munakata
Here's a short news story about procrastination, just published in UC Davis's Letters & Science magazine. Featuring my long-time friend/colleague @yukomunakata.bsky.social, this article describes factors contributing to procrastination and gives you a few concrete tips for overcoming it.
Two Ways to Avoid the Procrastination Loop and Get Started on Anything
New research in psychology describes some of the factors that contribute to procrastination in both children and adults. Learn some tips on how we can build the motivation to get started on that last-...
lettersandsciencemag.ucdavis.edu
December 17, 2024 at 4:31 PM
Here's a short news story about procrastination, just published in UC Davis's Letters & Science magazine. Featuring my long-time friend/colleague @yukomunakata.bsky.social, this article describes factors contributing to procrastination and gives you a few concrete tips for overcoming it.
Reposted by Yuko Munakata
Waiting for the same delayed flight back from one of my last PhD interviews with their visiting colloquium speaker, who quizzed me on my other offers and convinced me I shouldn't go there but instead to CU Boulder to work with @yukomunakata.bsky.social about which he was absolutely right.
What's the moment of luck that's had the biggest impact for your academic career? For me, it was how I wouldn't have gotten a PhD fellowship if it wasn't for the 1st-ranked person declining, which meant that I was awarded the fellowship as 2nd-ranked applicant. That was my last shot at a PhD.
December 13, 2024 at 3:00 PM
Waiting for the same delayed flight back from one of my last PhD interviews with their visiting colloquium speaker, who quizzed me on my other offers and convinced me I shouldn't go there but instead to CU Boulder to work with @yukomunakata.bsky.social about which he was absolutely right.
Reposted by Yuko Munakata
I have been really really really fascinated by this because something I think academics don't always see is that very small effects about "executive functions" sometimes have a massive mythology life out here in industry. Sometimes it feels like we're drowning in extreme claims about it
1/ I've long wondered why executive function in childhood predicts life outcomes. Why does juggling information in mind, shifting between tasks, and controlling our impulses matter so much? I'm increasingly convinced that our early answers missed something fundamental. #PsychSciSky #DevPsychSky
October 12, 2024 at 3:33 PM
I have been really really really fascinated by this because something I think academics don't always see is that very small effects about "executive functions" sometimes have a massive mythology life out here in industry. Sometimes it feels like we're drowning in extreme claims about it
Reposted by Yuko Munakata
This entire thread is a splendid way for us in #HigherEd to re-frame how we design for and approach our learners, who come to us not just w/varying *levels* of executive function skills, but varying *kinds.*
This is research that would have been useful in the #UDL 3.0 guidelines! Have a read.
This is research that would have been useful in the #UDL 3.0 guidelines! Have a read.
1/ I've long wondered why executive function in childhood predicts life outcomes. Why does juggling information in mind, shifting between tasks, and controlling our impulses matter so much? I'm increasingly convinced that our early answers missed something fundamental. #PsychSciSky #DevPsychSky
October 12, 2024 at 11:41 AM
Reposted by Yuko Munakata
Really great thread. I agree. The HOW and WHY executive functions impact life outcomes is the next important step in understanding their influence. Our measures are key to that puzzle.
1/ I've long wondered why executive function in childhood predicts life outcomes. Why does juggling information in mind, shifting between tasks, and controlling our impulses matter so much? I'm increasingly convinced that our early answers missed something fundamental. #PsychSciSky #DevPsychSky
October 12, 2024 at 7:06 AM
Really great thread. I agree. The HOW and WHY executive functions impact life outcomes is the next important step in understanding their influence. Our measures are key to that puzzle.
1/ I've long wondered why executive function in childhood predicts life outcomes. Why does juggling information in mind, shifting between tasks, and controlling our impulses matter so much? I'm increasingly convinced that our early answers missed something fundamental. #PsychSciSky #DevPsychSky
October 11, 2024 at 4:24 PM
1/ I've long wondered why executive function in childhood predicts life outcomes. Why does juggling information in mind, shifting between tasks, and controlling our impulses matter so much? I'm increasingly convinced that our early answers missed something fundamental. #PsychSciSky #DevPsychSky
Reposted by Yuko Munakata
September 15, 2024 at 11:35 AM
Reposted by Yuko Munakata
Developmental research can challenge some conceptions or assumptions based on adult research. This idea is illustrated in the new press release below: Studying children's procrastination challenges a currently dominant definition based on adult research. #DevPsy #PsychSciSky
tinyurl.com/yckezvcy
tinyurl.com/yckezvcy
Research aims to improve understanding of children’s procrastination
Research aims to improve understanding of children’s procrastination - The Brock News, a news source for Brock University
tinyurl.com
September 15, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Developmental research can challenge some conceptions or assumptions based on adult research. This idea is illustrated in the new press release below: Studying children's procrastination challenges a currently dominant definition based on adult research. #DevPsy #PsychSciSky
tinyurl.com/yckezvcy
tinyurl.com/yckezvcy
Reposted by Yuko Munakata
Please Share! 📢 I'm recruiting a PhD student for Fall 2025
at UC Berkeley! I'm particularly interested in students interested in early math learning (kindergarten - 3rd grade), working memory, and inequities in early childhood using quantitative methods. Deadline is Dec 3rd!
at UC Berkeley! I'm particularly interested in students interested in early math learning (kindergarten - 3rd grade), working memory, and inequities in early childhood using quantitative methods. Deadline is Dec 3rd!
September 10, 2024 at 11:01 PM
Please Share! 📢 I'm recruiting a PhD student for Fall 2025
at UC Berkeley! I'm particularly interested in students interested in early math learning (kindergarten - 3rd grade), working memory, and inequities in early childhood using quantitative methods. Deadline is Dec 3rd!
at UC Berkeley! I'm particularly interested in students interested in early math learning (kindergarten - 3rd grade), working memory, and inequities in early childhood using quantitative methods. Deadline is Dec 3rd!
September 4, 2024 at 4:17 PM
We're hiring! Assistant Professor of Developmental Psychology @ucdavispsych.bsky.social #DevPsychSky #psychjobs #Psychology
recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06660
recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06660
Assistant Professor of Psychology - Developmental Psychology
University of California, Davis is hiring. Apply now!
recruit.ucdavis.edu
August 26, 2024 at 6:28 PM
We're hiring! Assistant Professor of Developmental Psychology @ucdavispsych.bsky.social #DevPsychSky #psychjobs #Psychology
recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06660
recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06660
Reposted by Yuko Munakata
In my first ever (!) Bluesky post, I want to tell you about a review on procrastination in adults and children, just published at @NatRevPsych. Working on this review w/ Caitlin Mahy and @yukomunakata.bsky.social changed my thinking and research directions. (1/15)
www.nature.com/articles/s44...
www.nature.com/articles/s44...
Mutual implications of procrastination research in adults and children for theory and intervention - Nature Reviews Psychology
Procrastination is often viewed as innocuous as long as deadlines are met but it is associated with negative life outcomes. In this Review, Mahy et al. bring together procrastination research in adult...
www.nature.com
August 12, 2024 at 3:26 PM
In my first ever (!) Bluesky post, I want to tell you about a review on procrastination in adults and children, just published at @NatRevPsych. Working on this review w/ Caitlin Mahy and @yukomunakata.bsky.social changed my thinking and research directions. (1/15)
www.nature.com/articles/s44...
www.nature.com/articles/s44...
1/ When we partnered with 6th grade teachers to support students' executive functioning and math learning, I was struck by what the teachers wanted to know: What could be done about student procrastination? go.nature.com/3Yug81z
#PsychSciSky
#PsychSciSky
Mutual implications of procrastination research in adults and children for theory and intervention - Nature Reviews Psychology
Procrastination is often viewed as innocuous as long as deadlines are met but it is associated with negative life outcomes. In this Review, Mahy et al. bring together procrastination research in adult...
go.nature.com
August 3, 2024 at 4:56 PM
1/ When we partnered with 6th grade teachers to support students' executive functioning and math learning, I was struck by what the teachers wanted to know: What could be done about student procrastination? go.nature.com/3Yug81z
#PsychSciSky
#PsychSciSky
Reposted by Yuko Munakata
Hey #PsychSciSky – New important review paper on procrastination (perfect for academics in August!) + new to BlueSky follows @yukomunakata.bsky.social and @amiyake.bsky.social
Mutual implications of procrastination research in adults and children for theory and intervention
Review by Caitlin E. V. Mahy, Yuko Munakata (@yukomunakata.bsky.social) & Akira Miyake (@amiyake.bsky.social)
Web: go.nature.com/3Yug81z
PDF: rdcu.be/dPMCV
Review by Caitlin E. V. Mahy, Yuko Munakata (@yukomunakata.bsky.social) & Akira Miyake (@amiyake.bsky.social)
Web: go.nature.com/3Yug81z
PDF: rdcu.be/dPMCV
August 2, 2024 at 5:26 PM
Hey #PsychSciSky – New important review paper on procrastination (perfect for academics in August!) + new to BlueSky follows @yukomunakata.bsky.social and @amiyake.bsky.social
Reposted by Yuko Munakata
Mutual implications of procrastination research in adults and children for theory and intervention
Review by Caitlin E. V. Mahy, Yuko Munakata (@yukomunakata.bsky.social) & Akira Miyake (@amiyake.bsky.social)
Web: go.nature.com/3Yug81z
PDF: rdcu.be/dPMCV
Review by Caitlin E. V. Mahy, Yuko Munakata (@yukomunakata.bsky.social) & Akira Miyake (@amiyake.bsky.social)
Web: go.nature.com/3Yug81z
PDF: rdcu.be/dPMCV
August 2, 2024 at 1:50 PM
Mutual implications of procrastination research in adults and children for theory and intervention
Review by Caitlin E. V. Mahy, Yuko Munakata (@yukomunakata.bsky.social) & Akira Miyake (@amiyake.bsky.social)
Web: go.nature.com/3Yug81z
PDF: rdcu.be/dPMCV
Review by Caitlin E. V. Mahy, Yuko Munakata (@yukomunakata.bsky.social) & Akira Miyake (@amiyake.bsky.social)
Web: go.nature.com/3Yug81z
PDF: rdcu.be/dPMCV