In this research field, we conduct basic research on cognitive processes of verbal communication such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening. We apply the outcome of such research to various scenes including education and the disaster prevention.
  One of the most important basic research themes is a study on text comprehension process. Text comprehension is a process of constructing meaning through interactions between text and reader. Within a limited capacity of working memory, readers activate prior knowledge related to the text, make inferences, and construct a situation model described by the text. We focus on influence of working memory and a role of prior knowledge of the reader, inferential processes during reading, and the property of the situation model.
  We attempt to apply the results of basic researches to real communication scenes. For the education, we suggest an effective education method based on the cognitive process of the learners and practice it. For the disaster prevention, we suggest what type of disaster information leads to the quick evacuation of inhabitants.