School of Psychological Science Seminar Series

Title: The diachronic account of attentional selectivity

Abstract: Many models of attention assume that attentional selection takes place at a specific moment in time which demarcates the critical transition from pre-attentive to attentive processing of sensory input. I argue that this intuitively appealing account is not only inaccurate, but has led to substantial conceptual confusion (to the point where some attention researchers offer to abandon the term ‘attention’ altogether). As an alternative, I offer a “diachronic” framework that describes attentional selectivity as a process that unfolds over time. Key to this view is the concept of attentional episodes, brief periods of intense attentional amplification of sensory representations that regulate access to working memory and response-related processes. I present data from a distractor intrusion paradigm that demonstrate the existence and importance of attentional episodes, and describe how attentional episodes are linked to earlier attentional mechanisms and to recurrent processing at the neural level. Finally, I argue that breaking down the dichotomy between pre-attentive and attentive (as well as early vs. late selection) offers new solutions to old problems in attention research that have never been resolved. It can provide a unified and conceptually coherent account of the network of cognitive and neural processes that produce the goal-directed selectivity in perceptual processing that is commonly referred to as “attention”.

Location: 2D17 (Senior Common Room), D Block Priory Road Complex

Time: 15:00 - 16:00

Title: Breaking Boundaries: Transforming Mental Health through Transdiagnostic and Modular Treatment Innovations

Abstract: Traditional diagnostic methods face several challenges, including high comorbidity, limited ability to differentiate between disorders, significant heterogeneity within disorders, and difficulties in disseminating multiple treatment protocols. Transdiagnostic and modular interventions have the potential to address these challenges by focusing on shared processes across various disorders and offering greater flexibility in treatment. This presentation explores the question, "What defines success in the transdiagnostic approach?" Three distinct examples will be discussed: the Modular Intervention for Children with Epilepsy (MICE), drop-in mental health centres at paediatric hospitals (the 'Lucy Project'), and the treatment of perfectionism. The presentation will conclude by exploring innovative ways to advance mental health science and treatment, including the potential of new technologies to enhance outcomes and access for all.

Location: 2D17 (Senior Common Room), D Block Priory Road Complex

Time: 15:00 - 16:00

Title: TBC

Abstract: TBC

Location: 2D17 (Senior Common Room), D Block Priory Road Complex

Time: TBC

Title: TBC

Abstract: TBC

Location: 2D17 (Senior Common Room), D Block Priory Road Complex

Time: 11:00 - 12:00

Title: Understanding the role of variety in our food environment: from dietary diversity to multi-component food items.

Abstract: Dietary variety has been used as a key indicator of diet quality. However, variety has also consistently been shown to increase food intake. When applied to low energy density, nutrient-dense foods this ‘variety effect’ can be beneficial but when applied to high energy density, low nutrient-dense foods, there is a risk of over-consumption. Across a number of studies, we have shown that the variety effect is anticipated in meal planning, is a robust driver of food intake with a small to medium pooled effect size, is evident at the population-level and is a concept recognised by consumers but only when prompted. Our most recent work has used our theoretical understanding of the variety effect to investigate, for the first time, ‘multi-component food-items’ and eating behaviour. Multi-component food items (MCFI) are single food products with sensorially distinguishable components (e.g., chocolate chip cookies) that are brought together via processing. Despite their apparent ubiquity and a sizable research literature on the formulation of such products, there is little research on MCFI and eating behaviour. This is likely due to the methodological challenges of identifying MCFI test foods alongside suitable control foods. With an inter-disciplinary team which included a food technologist and access to a pilot plant, we developed sweet and savoury isocaloric test food sets and conducted a proof-of-concept intake study. In line with our hypothesis, results suggested greater intake of MCFI foods compared to controls. Future funded work will include a fully powered, pre-registered intake study and investigation of the possibility of harnessing MCFI effects for food reformulation that contributes to a healthy and sustainable food environment.

Location: 2D17 (Senior Common Room), D Block Priory Road Complex

Time: 11:00 - 12:00

Title: Protecting Adolescent Mental Health in a Digital World

Abstract: In our rapidly evolving digital world, there is increasing concern about the impact of digital technologies such as social media on the mental health of young people. Policymakers and the public are nervous. Psychologists are facing mounting pressures to deliver evidence that can inform policies and practices to safeguard both young people and society at large. However, research progress is slow while technological change is accelerating. Dr Orben will reflect on this, both as a question of psychological science and metascience, during her keynote address.

Digital companies have designed innovative and highly popular environments that differ in important ways from the offline spaces humans have traditionally inhabited and interacted with. By revisiting the foundations of our psychological discipline – such as development and cognition – and considering how these digital changes to our environment impact pre-existing theories and findings, we can gain deeper insights into how digitalisation might impact important outcomes such as mental health. Dr Orben’s keynote will discuss this from multiple methodological perspectives. On the one hand, developmental vulnerabilities that predispose young people to mental health conditions can be exacerbated by digital environments. On the other, digital designs can interact with cognitive and learning process, which can be formalised through computational approaches such as reinforcement learning or Bayesian modelling.

However, we also need to face deeper questions about what it means to do science about new technologies and the challenge of keeping pace with technological advancements. Dr Orben will therefore also discuss the concept of ‘fast science’: an approach discussed in philosophy of science where during crises scientists might lower their standards of evidence to come to conclusions quicker. Might psychologists want to take this approach in the face of technological change and looming concerns? Dr Orben will conclude her keynote discussing this and other strategies for shaping 21st-century psychology to remain relevant in the era of digitalization.

Location: 2D17 (Senior Common Room), D Block Priory Road Complex

Time: 15:00 - 16:00

School of Psychological Science Seminar Series

18th September 2024 - Alon Zivony

2nd October 2024 - Roz Shafran

16th October 2024 - Internal speaker (TBC)

30th October 2024 - Andrew Heathcote

13th November 2024 - Laura Wilkinson

27th November 2024 - Amy Orben

15th January 2025 - Internal Speaker (TBC)

29th January 2025 - Emily Farran

12th February 2025 - David Zendle

26th February 2025 - Emily Jones

12th March 2025 - Joseph Sweetman

26th March 2025 - Abi Millings