David Arnold's research addresses how mobile technology could foster Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) success in young children from low socioeconomic status (SES) families.

For his Family Research Scholar year, Arnold developed a grant proposal entitled “Fostering STEM Success in Underrepresented Groups with Educational Apps.” Arnold’s project evaluated the benefits of existing educational apps (e.g., for smart phones and tablets) for preschoolers, and examined the processes by which children learn using mobile technology. Smart phones are rapidly penetrating even the poorest communities, and this project provided the first causal evidence regarding best practices in utilizing this ubiquitous technology. His program of study could eventually provide an important tool to help build critical early math skills and support STEM participation in underrepresented groups.