This Week SPECIAL: Psychology Week!!!

PSYCHOLOGY WEEK (14-17 NOV 2011)

• Lecture Talks by Dr. Johnson, Dr. McKenzie & Dr. Stephen from School of Psychology

Tuesday - "The mind’s eye: Interactions between perception and reflection" by                   Dr Matthew Johnson, F1A11, 5-6pm

"Much of human thought falls into one of two broad categories: The processing of incoming sensory information (perception), and the manipulation of thoughts and memories to generate plans for action that will help achieve one's goals (reflection). Of course, these two modes of thought must interact as well; our internal thoughts must be based on knowledge gained from prior perception, and conversely our perception of the world is actively shaped by our thoughts and memories. In this talk, I'll discuss two neuroimaging experiments that address different aspects of the interactions between perceptual and reflective mental processes. The first will focus on how attention within working memory affects activity in visual brain areas similarly to attention directed among items currently being perceived. The second will use pattern analysis techniques to examine whether mental images of visual scenes are represented by replaying patterns of activity in visual brain areas that were originally experienced during perception. The talk will also contain a short introduction to the techniques we used, so no need to fear if you don't know much about neuroimaging -- all will be explained."

Wednesday - ''Illusionary Sensation'' by Dr Kirsten McKenzie, F1A11, 5-6pm 

Thursday - "Exotic: Cross-cultural aspects of attractiveness" by Dr Ian Stephen, F1A11,    5-6pm

"We know that people find it easier to recognise members of their own ethnic group than other-ethnicity individuals. But does this also extend to recognising attractiveness in other-ethnicity faces? Do people from different ethnic groups look for the same things in potential mates? In this talk I will discuss the evidence for the similarities and differences in people’s perceptions of attraction, and what this can tell us about reproductive strategies, evolution and cognition."

• Movie Night: The Experiment

The movie is based on the infamous "Stanford Prison Experiment" conducted in 1971. A makeshift prison is set up in a research lab, complete with cells, bars and surveillance cameras. For two weeks 20 male participants are hired to play prisoners and guards. The 'prisoners' are locked up and have to follow seemingly mild rules, and the 'guards' are told simply to retain order without using physical violence. Everybody is free to quit at any time, thereby forfeiting payment. In the beginning the mood between both groups is insecure and rather emphatic. But soon quarrels arise and the wardens employ ever more drastic sanctions to confirm their authority.

Starring: Adrien Brody, Forest Whitaker, Cam Gigandet.

ADMISSION IS FREE (yup, you read it right!) for everyone.
Be sure to invite and bring your friends along. This is definitely one you cannot miss!

Snacks and drinks will be sold at the door (just like at the movies, only cheaper!).