Psychology Research

A researcher conducting an experiment with a father and his baby.

A top 20 Psychology department in the UK for world-leading research publications.

Our research encompasses four major disciplines within Psychology: Development, Cognition, Social, and Neuroscience. These core areas comprise our research communities, and researchers collaborate closely within and across communities.

A strength of our approach at Lancaster University is that the themes of our research often cut across these areas, with many of our researchers collaborating on interdisciplinary projects that extend across all University Faculties, Research Institutes, and Centres. Our research focuses on both theoretical advancement and the impact psychology can have on wider societal issues. We have state-of-the-art research facilities within our purpose-built Whewell building, such as eyetracking, TMS, EEG, and fNIRS systems, as well as specialist facilities for developmental testing.

Research Communities

  • Developmental Psychology

    How do we develop an understanding of the world around us? We look at cognitive, social, emotional and language development from before birth through to adolescence.

  • Cognitive Psychology

    What are the fundamental cognitive processes behind language, learning, memory, and attention? How does our understanding of cognition impact society?

  • Neuroscience and Neurocognition

    How does the brain respond to different environments and govern cognitive function? We research how humans understand and process the world around us.

  • Social Processes

    How do we develop definitions of morality or trust, and how do they affect our emotions in social interaction or decision making?

Research Themes

Psychology news

Female teacher reading to a group of 6 year old students

Autistic and neurotypical children learn words differently

A meta-analysis of over 3,000 children reveals autistic children learn words differently from neurotypical peers, especially in social situations. While retention and generalisation are similar, differences emerge in how word meanings are identified. The study urges more inclusive, non-social teaching strategies and reassessing current language learning methods.
Working closely with police forces, the P-ACEs will drive collaboration among academia and policing

Lancaster to become Policing Academic Centre of Excellence

The National Police Chiefs’ Council ​(NPCC) in partnership with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has chosen Lancaster University as one of nine Policing Academic Centres of Excellence (P-ACEs) sharing a total of £4.5 million. 
Dr Heather Shaw giving her presentation

Psychology explores “New Tricks in Research Integrity”

Lancaster’s Psychology Department recently hosted a workshop entitled “New Tricks in Research Integrity”, intended to help early career researchers conduct their research ethically.
A girl playing with the Van Der Graaf Generator.

FST embark on engagement extravaganza with a host of activities at Campus in the City

Researchers from across the Faculty of Science and Technology represented the University at the hugely successful Campus in the City event on 11th and 12th April, with ten activities from across five departments.
Faculty of Science and Technology banned with Executive Dean Professor Pete Atkinson and seven PhD winners of awards at the Celebration of Science.

Celebration of Science is a Big Success in its 20th Year

The Faculty of Science and Technology’s Celebration of Science 2025: Discovery for a Changing World has taken place. This is the 20th year that an event has been run, showcasing research across the Faculty.
Undergraduate student Grace Kelly giving a talk at Spotlight on Science

Lancaster University students bring science to the public

Lancaster University’s ‘Teaching, Outreach and Public Engagement’ module trains science students to communicate complex topics to the public. Seven students showcased their skills at ‘Spotlight on Science,’ delivering engaging talks on diverse subjects. 

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