(1)  Text comprehension
  Text comprehension can be considered as processes 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 the role of reader's working memory capacity and prior knowledge, the inferential processes during reading, and the nature of situation model.

(2)  Reading ability in interpersonal communication
  In interpersonal communication, the abilities to read a partner's opinion, intention, emotion, etc. are important. We explore individual differences of such abilities and study the factors which influence the reading processes in interpersonal communication. We especially focus on the ability to catch the main point from a speaker's message, the ability to understand the nonliteral meaning, and the ability to guess the speaker's emotion.

(3)  Risk perception and decision making
  How people receive and evaluate information in risk communication? We research the effects of types of expressions on people's risk perception, emotion, and decision making under the situation of medical communication and disaster communication.