COMBAT SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH
What is Fight IQ? Do brighter lights improve technique retention? Does rashguard color affect opponent aggression? These are questions we seek answer for at Observed Effect.
In psychology, the observed effect refers to the measurable change, behavior, or outcome detected in a study as a result of an independent variable or experimental manipulation.
CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECT
ABOUT LEX DEVILLE
Hi there, I’m Lex DeVille and I started my martial arts journey in 2024 at 37 years old. I train Muay Thai and Dutch Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jiujitsu (BJJ), and a little bit of wrestling and judo. I bring it together MMA style, but haven’t fought in the cage yet.
I earned my blue belt in BJJ in late October of 2025 after finishing 17 competitions at white belt. In January of 2026, I earned my first gold medal as a blue belt in my 22nd tournament by submitting my opponent in my 100th match. This year, I aim to compete 25 times, elevating my match count to 200 – 300 matches total.
Beyond combat sports, I study psychology. I earned my BA and MA in general psychology, followed by a doctoral certificate in developmental psychology. I’m currently a PhD student conducting dissertation research surrounding combat sport psychology, specifically focusing on Fight IQ (thus, this website).
My goal with this website is to share some of my research into combat sports alongside my mixed martial arts journey while striving to grow and improve a little each day. If that’s something you can get on board with, then welcome to Observed Effect.
COMBAT SPORT SHIRTS
Support my research efforts when you order one of my personally-designed combat sports tees.
CONTACT US
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