Cognitive neuroscience of spatial asymmetry: behaviour, genes and brain imaging. When humans distribute their attention in space, biases or asymmetries of spatial attention exist. Healthy individuals exhibit a processing advantage favouring left space but this advantage is lost in disorders such as unilateral spatial neglect, ADHD and dyslexia. This project will develop novel electrophysiological methods to dissociate the sensory, attentional, decision-making and motoric contributions to spatial ....Cognitive neuroscience of spatial asymmetry: behaviour, genes and brain imaging. When humans distribute their attention in space, biases or asymmetries of spatial attention exist. Healthy individuals exhibit a processing advantage favouring left space but this advantage is lost in disorders such as unilateral spatial neglect, ADHD and dyslexia. This project will develop novel electrophysiological methods to dissociate the sensory, attentional, decision-making and motoric contributions to spatial asymmetries. By interfacing electrophysiology with genetic, neurochemical and brain imaging methods, this project will comprehensively map the biology of spatial asymmetry. This knowledge is vital to developing effective treatments for disorders where atypical patterns of spatial asymmetry index neurological vulnerability.Read moreRead less
The processing of fear in the medial temporal lobe. The aim of this project is to identify how fear affects information processing in the medial temporal lobe (MTL). It is significant in providing the first systematic assessment of how fear alters processing of different types of information in the MTL, including the innocuous; and how fear affects processing of memories in MTL networks, including their integration. The expected outcomes are basic knowledge regarding these effects of fear, and a ....The processing of fear in the medial temporal lobe. The aim of this project is to identify how fear affects information processing in the medial temporal lobe (MTL). It is significant in providing the first systematic assessment of how fear alters processing of different types of information in the MTL, including the innocuous; and how fear affects processing of memories in MTL networks, including their integration. The expected outcomes are basic knowledge regarding these effects of fear, and a theory of MTL function in which they are explained. The benefit of this knowledge is a better understanding of how information is processed in a normal brain, and therefore, disturbances to information processing in fear-related disorders (e.g., over-generalization of fear in post-traumatic stress).Read moreRead less
Constructing a unified model of human memory. This project aims to systematically map the interplay between the episodic and semantic systems of memory across such functions as new learning, remembering the past, imagining the future and creative cognition. Memory is the cornerstone of adaptive functioning, yet models of human memory are incomplete. Episodic and semantic processes are typically treated as dissociable entities, despite mounting evidence of their interaction. Using experimental ta ....Constructing a unified model of human memory. This project aims to systematically map the interplay between the episodic and semantic systems of memory across such functions as new learning, remembering the past, imagining the future and creative cognition. Memory is the cornerstone of adaptive functioning, yet models of human memory are incomplete. Episodic and semantic processes are typically treated as dissociable entities, despite mounting evidence of their interaction. Using experimental tasks and advanced neuroimaging techniques in human lesion groups, this project will contribute data about the nature of episodic-semantic interactions. Expected outcomes include a refined model of human memory which will inform the capacity to optimise cognitive function.Read moreRead less
Placing prediction into the fear circuit. How do we predict danger in our world? This project will identify the psychological mechanisms and brain pathways that allow us to learn to fear and to also overcome fear when it becomes pathological.
A new pathway to self-control: Testing a social-neurocognitive model of aggressive desires. One universal human desire is the urge to hurt another person when angry. This project aims to identify the psychological and neural mechanisms that will reduce the likelihood that people will experience the desire to hurt others when angered. Recent advances in self-regulation, have produced models sophisticated enough to develop and test predictions about how to stop harmful desires from arising.
Identifying the goals and strategies people use to make others feel worse. This project aims to identify the goals and strategies people use to make others feel worse, the situation factors affecting goal formation, and the relative impact of different strategies. The project will develop a novel theoretical framework by applying emotion regulation theory a new area (worsening others' emotions), testing predictions through intensive longitudinal methods, experimental studies and a cross-national ....Identifying the goals and strategies people use to make others feel worse. This project aims to identify the goals and strategies people use to make others feel worse, the situation factors affecting goal formation, and the relative impact of different strategies. The project will develop a novel theoretical framework by applying emotion regulation theory a new area (worsening others' emotions), testing predictions through intensive longitudinal methods, experimental studies and a cross-national comparison of 15+ countries. Expected outcomes include new knowledge of the universal psychological processes that underpin aversive interactions, enhanced capacity for international collaboration, and policy guidance. Benefits include the potential to improve programs to decrease workplace bullying and domestic violence.Read moreRead less
Interpreting intrusions: Illuminating the cognitive mechanisms that fuel obsessional thought. This project aims to evaluate a theoretical model regarding the causal and maintaining role that cognitive biases play in obsessional thought. Obsessions are common in the general population and negatively impact health and daily functioning. Individuals struggle with their obsessions but are unable to disengage from them. A pressing question is: what makes an obsession so “sticky”? To answer this quest ....Interpreting intrusions: Illuminating the cognitive mechanisms that fuel obsessional thought. This project aims to evaluate a theoretical model regarding the causal and maintaining role that cognitive biases play in obsessional thought. Obsessions are common in the general population and negatively impact health and daily functioning. Individuals struggle with their obsessions but are unable to disengage from them. A pressing question is: what makes an obsession so “sticky”? To answer this question, this project aims to employ a novel, computerised experimental methodology to directly manipulate cognitive processes proposed to underpin obsessions. This methodology will be used to alter key biases proposed to drive obsessional thinking, thus shedding light on core psychological mechanisms.Read moreRead less
The role of social-emotional learning in attaining literacy and numeracy. This project aims to characterise variability in developmental pathways to literacy and numeracy, and the factors that contribute to this variation, utilising innovative analytical approaches and population data. This project expects to generate new knowledge regarding the role of school-based social-emotional learning programs in supporting children’s achievement of literacy and numeracy. Expected outcomes of the project ....The role of social-emotional learning in attaining literacy and numeracy. This project aims to characterise variability in developmental pathways to literacy and numeracy, and the factors that contribute to this variation, utilising innovative analytical approaches and population data. This project expects to generate new knowledge regarding the role of school-based social-emotional learning programs in supporting children’s achievement of literacy and numeracy. Expected outcomes of the project include enhanced collaboration with government to deliver policy-relevant information on the most effective targets and timing for delivering social-emotional programs that maximise academic learning. This should assist policy makers to develop better strategies to support every child’s academic achievement.Read moreRead less
Understanding genetic and environmental risks of emotional disorders in childhood and adolescence. To reduce the burden of mental health disorders in Australia, this project will advance knowledge on genetic and environmental causes of anxiety and related disorders in children and adolescents. The results will allow better identification of children at risk for emotional problems and will identify new ways of tailoring prevention and treatment.
The metrics of associative learning. All animals readily learn about associations between events in their environment, allowing them to use their past experience to predict future events based on current circumstances. This project develops a new approach to studying this simple learning process in humans and uses the approach to investigate the basis of this learning in the brain.