Research in the Department of Psychology
Article
The Department of Psychology at Goldsmiths is a thriving centre of excellence in research.
Following the 2014 REF, the Times HE rated the Department's research intensity in the top 10 of UK Psychology Departments. 72% of our research and 100% of our impact case studies were judged as internationally excellent or world-leading. The QS World University subject-level rankings placed the Department 13th in the UK based on citations per paper, and just outside the top 100 worldwide.
We pride ourselves in conducting cross-disciplinary research that challenges existing models of thought. The resources underpinning our ability to do this include state-of-the-art research facilities and a close relationship with the wider expertise in the arts and humanities that is present here at Goldsmiths. These resources are supplemented by our links (both in this country and overseas) with other universities and research groups. We also work with a wide range of agencies and organisations in the public and private sectors; including hospitals, schools, prisons, charities, government bodies and commercial organisations. These links provide excellent opportunities for our staff and our students to become involved in collaborative research in many different settings.
Research Groups
Research in the Department is structured around five main research groupings:
- The Cognition and Neuroscience Group (CCN) investigates cognition and its underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Members within the group study variability in these mechanisms among the individuals, across the lifespan, and between cultures. They also attempt to support the development of applications from these mechanisms to solve real-world problems and support intervention approaches in neurological disorders.
- The Developmental and Educational Science Group (DES) conducts scientific research into the development of cognitive, perceptual, social and emotional processes from infancy into childhood and adolescence. Group members focus on the translational aspects of how concepts from developmental science can be applied to further the healthy development of individuals from typical and atypical populations.
- The Forensic and Clinical Science Group (FCS) is a dynamic hub for research, specialist teaching, and consultancy within the area of forensic and clinical psychology. Group members seek to advance psychological theory and knowledge in legal and wellbeing contexts and to address real-world issues by developing and testing evidence-based interventions and solutions. Psychologists in the FCS Group work closely with local and international external agencies such as police forces, prisons, and NHS Trusts.
- The Science of the Creative and Performing Arts Group (SCPA) investigates the cognitive and neural bases of music, dance and visual arts. The Group not only seeks to understand these domains but also to use studies within this area to provide a window onto perceptual and motor learning processes, creativity, aesthetic appreciation and therapeutic applications.
- The Social Processes and Personality Group (SPP) investigates how we perceive, interpret, and interact with others. Group members study these skills in typical and atypical groups throughout the lifespan, and between cultures. They have particular interests in how individual differences influence social processing. Their work also involves close collaboration with a wide range of organisations in the public and private sectors.
Research Units
Within our Research Groups we host a number of specialist research units:
