Personal profile
Research interests
In the Language and Reading Acquisition (LARA) research lab, we are interested in reading and spoken language development in childhood and adolescence. We are particularly interested in how reading and spoken language benefit learning, and are important in our everyday lives. Our research adopts a range of methodological approaches including longitudinal and experimental studies, and co-creation with non-academic partners. We investigate research questions that are motivated by theory and educational policy and practice. In all of our research, we work closely with teachers and the educational community to conduct research and consider its implications for education.
For more information about the Language and Reading Acquisition (LARA) lab, visit our website: https://lara.psychologyresearch.co.uk/
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Examining Relationships between Caregiver Concerns and Family and Child Characteristics in Kindergarten Children at risk for Language and Literacy Disorders
Phelan, M., Radville, K., Wolter, J., Alonzo, C. N., Floyd, S., Ricketts, J., Putman, C. & Hogan, T., 16 Jan 2026, (Accepted/In press) In: Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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The development and an acceptability and feasibility study of a program to support children’s reading motivation and engagement
McGeown, S., Oxley, E., McBreen, M., Shapiro, L. & Ricketts, J., 19 Mar 2026, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Reading Psychology.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Investigating reading enjoyment in adults with dyslexia
Jones, H., Bains, A., Randall, L., Spaulding, C., Ricketts, J. & Krishnan, S., 26 Feb 2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Dyslexia. 31, 1, e1803.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Learning spellings and meanings: Longitudinal relations to reading
Mimeau, C., Ricketts, J. & Deacon, S. H., 29 Jan 2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Journal of Research in Reading. 17 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access -
Longitudinal development of theory of mind in adolescence and its associations with fiction reading experience
van der Kleij, S., Devine, R. T., Shapiro, L. R., Ricketts, J. & Apperly, I., 7 Apr 2025, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Developmental Psychology.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile114 Downloads (Pure)
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How does poor sleep in adolescents impact learning and education?
Tamminen, J. (PI) & Ricketts, J. (CoI)
1/09/23 → 31/08/26
Project: Research
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Graduate Teaching Associate PhD studentship: The role of orthography when teaching new foreign vocabulary in British primary schools
Hooton, C. (Student) & Ricketts, J. (Mentor)
19/09/22 → 18/09/26
Project: Research
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Social Science Impact Accelerator: At the Crossroads: Developing local strategies to support pathways into employment
Henderson, M. (PI), O'Connell, A. (CoI) & Ricketts, J. (CoI)
31/01/24 → 31/01/25
Project: Other
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Social Science Impact Accelerator: Teenage Reading Network- student voices
Hooton, C. (CoI) & Ricketts, J. (CoI)
8/01/24 → 31/08/24
Project: Other