School of Psychology

Researchers in Cognitive Neuroscience and Behavioural Neuroscience work on the psychological, neurobiological and genetic foundations of emotion and motivation, attention, cognitive control, and learning and memory. Research includes studies of normal behaviour and disordered cognition in animals and humans, as well as the investigation of the genetic and pathological cause of common neurological disorders, such as frontotemporal dementia. The Imaging Science group has leading expertise in functional and structural neuroimaging, MRS, TMS, EEG and MEG. As well as developing novel acquisition and analysis methods in these techniques, Imaging Science researchers also work collaboratively on the application of these methods to common disorders, such as epilepsy, schizophrenia and dementia.

There are strong links between all three groups with a number of collaborative interdisciplinary projects. For example, Aggleton, Jones and O'Sullivan work together on structural imaging and memory, and Singh and Sumner have a collaborative project investigating how GABA relates to impulsivity and motor decision speed (see diagram).

Strong cross-theme links also exist in the School, for example, Singh works collaboratively with Freeman and Rushton (Perception and Action) on a number of questions regarding visual perception, Manstead (Social Psychology) and Lawrence have complementary interests in the role of emotion and social identity, and Jones, Macken (Attention and Memory) and Graham undertake complementary research addressing whether human memory is a by-product of perception.