Vision and Cognition
Colleagues in the Vision and Cognition research group explore fundamental issues of importance in vision and cognition.
Our particular interests span colour perception, face perception, multisensory integration, and visual search through to aesthetics, spatial memory and motor control.
The group provides a supportive environment for colleagues and postgraduate students.
PGR Students
Miss Georgina Bailey
Miss Nooshin Momenzadeh
My research interests are predominantly in the field of Cognitive Psychology, with a particular focus on human memory and memory for object location. I am interested in how multiple memory representations can interact to influence recall accuracy in spatial long term memory, adaptive memory, temporal contiguity and how differences in attention can impact the accuracy of spatial memory.
Exploring the influence of animal and object categories on recall of item location following an incidental learning task (in collaboration with Prof Nick Donnelly, Liverpool Hope University)
Exploring the influence of cognitive restoration on long term memory (in collaboration with Dr Catherine Thompson, Liverpool Hope University)
Italian basic terms blu and azzurro: Semantic relatedness manifested by Stroop interference (in collaboration with Prof Galina Paramei, Liverpool Hope University, Prof Gloria Menegaz, University of Verona)
Exploring Survival Processing on word recall and Body image judgements (in collaboration with Dr Andrew Dunn, Nottingham Trent University).
Binding across features and their influence on cognitive processes such as reading and writing. (In collaboration with Dr Lorna Bourke, Liverpool Hope University, and Dr Neil Harrison, Liverpool Hope University.)
The next stage of this is looking at spatial-temporal binding of audio-visual features and their development across early life.
General influence of working memory and executive processing on cognitive development. (In collaboration with Dr Lorna Bourke, Liverpool Hope University.)
Understanding acrophobia (fear of heights) by testing evolutionary accounts of the visual cues necessary to induce a fear of height.
Person perception; Explaining the common assignment of personality and affect to body shape in the absence of any other information.
Perceptual distortions in general. This has included the distortion of placing the eyes on a drawn face (with Neil Harrison). A pilot study looking at the horizontal-vertical illusion and motion has revealed an effect of time distortion for horizontal motion when a moving dot is viewed against a backdrop of the HV illusion, but is absent when the HV illusion is not present.
Explaining inattention blindness at fixation. This is an ongoing series of experiments trying to decide on whether an object-based or space-based account offers the better explanation for this phenomenon.
He collaborates extensively with colleagues in the UK and the US. His current work includes projects funded by the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) called ‘We’re in this together: Using evidence-based visual perception to enhance crowd resilience’ and the Department for Transport called ‘X-ray Baggage Screening Time on Task’.
My research investigates visual perception and attention, with a specific focus on aesthetic processes. My basic research aims to understand the cognitive and neural mechanisms involved in perceiving and evaluating visual environments. I am particularly interested in applying scientific knowledge to help understand how people look at and respond to natural environments and how this influences their well-being. I also investigate how people differ in their viewing behaviour and engagement with artworks, particularly in real-world settings such as galleries.
Some current projects:
- Investigating neural mechanisms underlying the perception of images of nature using
EEG
- Eye movements and cognitive restoration in an urban green environment (in
- partnership with the National Trust)
- Eye movements and cognitive and emotional responses to community street art (in
partnership with Culture Liverpool)
- Brain-computer interface: Using EEG to decode brain activity for movement intention
(in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee)
- Aesthetic and emotional responses to images and paintings of nature and urban scenes
My research interests include how movement planning and execution are affected by pressure, anxiety, different attentional foci, and changes in cognitive resources. I also work with organisations in sport to evaluate their talent identification processes on a visual and cognitive level. This means my research interests generally cover a wide spectrum.
- Movement Planning and Correction Effectiveness During Imagery
This research explores the functional equivalence between movement imagery (i.e., imagined actions) and physical execution (i.e., real actions). Specifically, it is currently not known whether movement imagery and physical execution are equally capable at making corrections to actions.
- The Influence of Anxiety on Motor Performance
Anxiety is one of the primary factors separating successful and unsuccessful competitive performance. Therefore it is surprising that despite its importance and years of research, little consensus exist on underlying mechanisms and their effect on movement organisation/execution processes.
- Talent Identification in Elite Sport
This series of studies attempts to optimise the visual, cognitive, and affectual states of scouts when performing talent identification for sport governing bodies. This is done by evaluating many of the processes and procedures which underpin talent identification.
My research revolves around the areas of visual cognition and empirical aesthetics. Current projects encompass three specific topics:
-
Visual preference for object properties. I study the role of perceptual features (i.e., smooth curvature, symmetry, complexity) on preference for a variety of visual stimuli, including abstract shapes, object design, urban and environmental landscapes. This research is relevant for the art and creative sectors as well as for marketing, environmental and tourism organizations.
-
Aesthetic experience of interior and urban design. The focus is on the effect that the design of the space we live in has on our cognition, well-being and social interactions. This research informs guidelines for developing neurodiverse living spaces and sustainable cities.
- Individual differences in art spectatorship. I investigate the driving mechanisms underlying public engagement with works of art and how individual differences account for aesthetic responses across various types of art. This research informs curatorial approaches in exhibition spaces.
I research these topics adopting an interdisciplinary approach in collaboration with colleagues of the V&C research group and external partners, such as Sandbrook Co-production Group and Sefton Council, Tate Liverpool, Walker Art Gallery, Williamson Art Gallery and Museum, Culture Liverpool. Methodologies include: behavioural paradigms, psychophysiological measures, EEG, eye tracking, and questionnaires.
The effect of colour on emotions read out from emoticons (In collaboration with Prof. Katsuaki Sakata: Department of Fine Arts, Joshibi University of Art and Design, Tokyo, Japan.)
Diatopic variation of the „Italian blues“: Estimating basicness. Modelling colour category volumes and boundaries (In collaboration with Prof. Gloria Menegaz: Department of Computer Science, University of Verona, Italy; Prof. Maria M. Del Viva: Department of Neuroscience & Psychology, University of Florence, Italy; Prof. Natalia L. Komarova: Department of Mathematics, University of California Irvine, USA.)
The effect of inversion of facial expressions of emotions (In collaboration with Dr. David L. Bimler: School of Psychology, Massey University, New Zealand.)
Assessing repeatability of the Cambridge Colour Test (In collaboration with Thiago M. P. Fernandes, PhD student: Department of Psychology, University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil.)
Multisensory integration and perceptual biases within and across the senses
- Auditory, visual, tactile processing, multisensory integration, and sensorimotor learning in the typical population and in the visually impaired.
- The influence of auditory perceptual biases on motor execution.
- Shaping a sensory room for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
My research focuses on visual attention and attentional control. I am particularly interested in how environmental factors influence the allocation of attention, and I use behavioural tasks and eye-tracking to investigate the impact of different environmental settings on cognition. Currently my research projects fall into three topic areas:
- Attention Restoration
I am studying how exposure to different environments can restore limited capacity attentional resources to understand why engagement with nature environments can improve performance, mood, and wellbeing. One project related to this topic is a study that measures the psychological impact of urban greening at the Castlefield Viaduct, a National Trust property.
- Habitual Attention
Since studying for my PhD I have been interested in an effect termed “attentional inertia” whereby visual attentional settings persist from a task in which they are relevant to a task in which they are irrelevant. Some of my work measures individual differences in attentional inertia, and I am interested in understanding how environmental cues may influence the updating of top-down attentional settings.
- The impact of thermal stressors on cognition
A third strand of my research explores how environmental temperatures affect cognitive processing. In 2022-23 I led a project funded by the Fire Service Research and Training Trust to measure the effects of extreme heat on firefighter cognition.
My research interests lie at the intersection of cognitive psychology and empirical aesthetics. I use a combination of behavioural, eye tracking, and advanced statistical methods to understand mechanisms involved in spectatorship of art. Currently, my research focuses on three main areas:
- Art Spectatorship in Cultural, Urban, and Museum Settings
Exploring the dynamics of how individuals engage with art in cultural and museum environments, considering evidence-based factors that influence the spectator’s experience.
- Cross-Cultural Differences in Spectatorship of Art
Investigating variations in the perception and interaction with art across different cultures, aiming to uncover insights into the diverse ways individuals from various backgrounds experience artistic expressions.
- Community Participation in Cultural Heritage
Examining how local communities identify and perceive their cultural assets, ensuring that their knowledge and values actively contribute to the sustainable management of cultural heritage.
News
MSc Cognition and Aesthetics
Grounded on the research expertise of the members of the Vision and Cognition Research Group, at the intersection between Science and Art, we are pleased to launch our new course MSc Cognition and Aesthetics in September 2024 (subject to validation)! Visit the MSc Cognition and Aesthetic webpage to find out more about the course and how to apply.
Dr Letizia Palumbo and Dr Tobiasz Trawinski have recently presented their works at the International Association of Empirical Aesthetics (IAEA), which was held in Palma on 8-10th May 2024.
Events
The Research in Imagery and Observation (RIO) Conference is taking place on 16th - 17th May 2024, at Liverpool Hope University.
Dr Letizia Palumbo and Dr Tobiasz Trawinski present CREA: Crossroads of Research and Experience of Art - 1st Edition. Taking place on Friday 20th September 2024 at The Creative Campus, Liverpool Hope University. This is an annual workshop in collaboration with Goldsmiths University London, University of Leuven (Belgium) and University of Groningen (Netherlands).