Cognition and Language
Understanding the way we use language
The Cognition and Language group conducts basic and applied research into human cognition and language.
We study human cognition in a wide range of theoretical and practical contexts using a range of methods. For example, using eye tracking to study reading, social cognition and driving.
Our aim is to use cognitive models to understand basic processes in attention, thinking, memory, and language. We explore these in relationship to the underlying brain processes and to practical applications in real world situations.
We combine a wide range of methods, including:
- Behavioural testing, including reaction times and eye movements
- Neuroimaging, including event-related potentials (ERP), near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
- Psychophysiological recording, including skin conductance, facial action coding, and pupillometry
- Computational cognitive modelling
Our research is funded by national and international governmental and non-governmental funding agencies, such as the ESRC, EPSRC, British Academy, Leverhulme, and Innovate UK.
Research areas
- Applied Cognition
- Attention and Executive Control
- Cognition and Emotion
- Cognitive Development
- Human Decision Making
- Human Memory and Learning
- Language Comprehension
- Reading
- Social Cognition
- Visual Cognition
Collaboration
We collaborate across the university with colleagues in other faculties and participate in several interdisciplinary university-wide research groups and initiatives, including:
In addition, we have active UK and international collaborations, including with government and industry partners.
Research team