Research profile

The Psychology unit is rapidly establishing itself as a centre of excellence for interdisciplinary research. We host five major research groups: Developmental Science; Human Cognitive Neuroscience; Language, Cognition and Communication; Differential Psychology; Social Psychology

We also have strengths in the supervision of projects in history and theory of psychology and visual cognition.

Human Cognitive Neuroscience

This research group comprises academics with core interests in memory, attention, executive function, visual memory, sensory integration and perceptuo-motor control in both normally functioning adults and people with neurological disorders. The group uses traditional behavioural measures, neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI and ERP, eye-tracking, motion tracking, computational modelling and clinical assessment.

Language, Cognition and Communication

The Language, Cognition and Communication Research Group is internationally recognised for its work on the psychology of language. We have wide expertise in such areas as spoken and written comprehension, production, dialogue, bilingualism, language development, and the cognitive neuroscience of language.

Developmental Science

Research in the Developmental Science group examines how different developmental factors interact across the lifespan, from before birth into adolescence and old age. The group comprises a diverse but well-integrated set of researchers, with expertise in cognitive, social and linguistic development, differential psychology and genetics, and computational modelling.

Differential Psychology

The Differential Psychology group examines how thinking, behaviour and feelings differ from person to person, attempting to understand their psychological similarities and how psychological characteristics vary. Research includes the psychometric structure of intelligence; genetic and environmental effects on intelligence differences; associations between intelligence and information processing speed; and brain imaging and intelligence

Social Psychology

The Social Psychology group examines how we think about the self, others, and groups. The research group cover qualitative and quantitative methodologies, spanning processes like identity, relationships, crowds, and inter-group relations. We employ a range of methods such as questionnaires, interviews, social cognitive techniques, observation, and physiological measures.