Penka Hristova

Penka Hristova is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cognitive Science and Psychology at New Bulgarian University, where she teaches cognitive psychology, memory, learning, and research methods across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Her office is located in Room 414A, Building I, with regular office hours on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Her research focuses on cognitive mechanisms of analogical reasoning and relational representation, particularly examining: (1) cognitive resource demands in analogical mapping and relational encoding, (2) long-term memory representations driving analogies, and (3) emotional modulation of analogical processes. She primarily employs behavioral experiments measuring reaction times and accuracy (d'). Her applied work targets educational psychology, developing methods to enhance transferable knowledge through relational reasoning in primary and secondary education.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory in cognitive psychology with increasing emphasis on educational applications. Her 2024 work extends relational reasoning research to preschoolers through participatory science learning, while earlier studies established foundational mechanisms of unconscious analogy processing and emotional influences on cognition. The publications demonstrate methodological consistency in behavioral experimentation while progressively bridging basic cognitive research with educational practice.

Professor Hristova has participated in multiple international research projects applying cognitive science principles to educational contexts, though specific project details and funding sources are not documented in the provided materials. She teaches courses including PSYB503 Memory and Learning and contributes to elementary education programs focusing on foreign language pedagogy.