Psychology research exploring aspects of human behaviour ranging from how our memory works to the ways we interact with animals, will be showcased to the public this weekend in a roadshow by the University of Lincoln, UK.
In partnership with the Horncastle U3A (University of the Third Age), the roadshow aims to give people of all ages a taste of scientific discovery on a range of subjects which give insights into the workings of the brain. Studies will include eye movement tracking, tests of cognition, risk taking and ‘mindreading’.
Visitors to the event, which takes place between 10am and 4pm on Saturday (18th October 2014) at Stanhope Hall in Horncastle, will be invited to participate in games and experiments. Results will be used to inform the researchers’ academic studies.
The roadshow builds on the University’s successful Summer Scientist Week, which sees youngsters aged between three and 10 years take part in fun activities and which provide researchers with valuable data to better understand how children acquire their cognitive abilities.
Organiser Dr Fenja Ziegler, a developmental psychologist from Lincoln’s School of Psychology, said: “As scientists we are interested in what people think, how they behave, and why they make certain decisions. Across the School, our research areas are diverse, so it’s important that we have a diverse range of people to take part.
“As well as getting a wider age range of people involved in our research, events such as this also give people the chance to see what we do, and get an inside look at psychology.”
One study by Dr Susan Chipchase will examine how people attempt to control or modify their emotions and the effect this has on memory. So-called emotion regulation can change how people interpret an event, and this can have either a beneficial or a detrimental effect on a person’s memories.
Lynn Urbanowicz from the Horncastle U3A, which has more than 250 members, said: “Our organisation’s guiding principle is lifelong learning, and we always try to put on activities which offer something a bit different for our members.
“Getting involved in psychology experiments certainly meets that brief. We’re hoping to see as many people as possible come down and chat to the University’s psychologists, get involved in the experiments and just have some fun.”
The free event takes place at Stanhope Hall, Boston Road, on Saturday 18th October 2014 from 10am to 4pm and is open to any U3A member and the general public. For more information call Lynn Urbanowicz on 01507 524430 or e-mail horncastleu3a@gmail.com.