Research Activity
Research in the Perception & Action group includes:
- Visual processing
- Selective attention and awareness
- Emotion and feeling states
- Embodiment, body representation and perception
- The neural representation of time and space
- Multisensory integration
- The neurocognition of hallucinations and disorders of consciousness
- Neurocognitive factors mediating the transition to disorder
- Speech processing in challenging situations
- Age-related disorders and health over the lifespan
- Sensory and motor factors as biomarkers for disease progression
- Biological factors affecting cognition and behaviour
- Links between language and music
- Cognition and associative learning
- Auditory neural coding / Auditory-motor interactions
- Computational neuroscience
- Gaze perception and perspective-taking
- Motor action observation and execution
- The sensorimotor grounding of concepts
We are also interested in the role of sensory processes in disorders and deficits due to ageing and Alzheimer's Disease. Our work combines behavioural methods, advanced human brain stimulation including TMS and multi-channel tDCS, tACS, tRNS, psychophysiology (EDA, SCRs, fEMG, FaceReader), virtual reality, eye-tracking, fMRI and EEG.
Facilities
Our Perception and Action Research Group uses a range of methodologies to elucidate the neurocognitive, behavioural and perceptual processes in young and ageing adults as well as non-clinical and special populations.
Our laboratories include :
- Cutting-edge high-amplitude Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) apparatus and coil-positioning software (Rogue Resolutions)
- The latest in low-amplitude electric multi-channel brain stimulation (MtDCS, tACS and tRNS) from Neuroelectrics
- A variety of eye-tracking systems optimised for diverse laboratory and field-based applications
- A state-of-the-art integrated psychophysiology laboratory capable of quantifying a host of biophysical parameters including electrodermal activity (EDA), skin conductance responses (SCRs), facial electromyography (fEMG), heart rate and FaceReader systems for the quantification of facial emotion processing
- A wet lab to allow for in-house measurement of neuroendocrine, glucose, and other psychopharmacological chemicals in both healthy and clinical populations
- A virtual reality laboratory equipped with head-mounted displays, and motion capture systems utilising infrared, magnetic field, flexion, and inertial sensors
- A dedicated sleep laboratory with polysomnography recording
- Dedicated soundproofed auditory test booths with full EEG capability