Research in the School of Psychology is focused on three main themes.
Cognition
Research in the Cognition theme explores processes such as attention, language and memory. There is a particular focus on how cognition and emotion are influenced by lifespan development and neuropsychological conditions. Recent projects have been funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and The Leverhulme Trust. The theme leader is Prof Louise Phillips and other members include Dr Rebecca Bull, Dr Sandie Cleland, Prof John Crawford, Dr Judith Hosie, Dr Margaret Jackson, Dr David Pearson and Dr Gillian Slessor.
Perception and Attention
Research in the Perception and Attention theme explores the relationship between perception and physical parameters of the environment in healthy and clinical populations, using a wide range of behavioural and electrophysiological techniques. Our research activities are funded by various Medical Charities and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). The theme leader is Prof Arash Sahraie and other members include Dr Philip Benson, Dr Rama Chakravarthi, Dr Constanze Hesse, Dr Frouke Hermens, Dr Amelia Hunt, Dr Jasna Martinovic, Prof Peter McGeorge, Dr Karin Pilz and Dr Rachel Swainson.
Social Cognition
Research in the Social Cognition theme investigates the factors involved in social interactions and decisions using a wide-range of behavioural and neuroimaging techniques. Recent projects have been funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the European Research Council (ERC). The theme leader is Prof Mike Burton and other members include Dr Kevin Allan, Dr Rachael Bannerman, Prof Rhona Flin, Prof Neil Macrae, Dr Douglas Martin, and Dr Lynden Miles.
In addition to these themes, the Industrial Psychology Research Centre specialises in the application of psychology to safety and performance in high reliability workplaces.