Staffordshire Centre for
Psychological Research
Welcome
Here at Staffordshire University, we specialise in applied psychological research which contributes to knowledge in the academic community as well as being relevant to practitioners, policy-makers and the wider community. We have a strong tradition of multidisciplinary work.
Beyond the University we have a wide range of collaborations with local, national and international institutions. Our Health and Clinical Psychologists have strong links with local and national hospitals, as well as working with international organisations such as the Sao Paulo Hospital in Brazil. We have contacts with local and national schools and charities. In terms of research income, our Department has a growing reputation for obtaining funds from Research Councils and Charities, as well as from various educational and health authorities. Our research strengths lie in two key areas: • Health and Behaviour Change • Applied Perception and Cognition. Our research is enhanced by the work of our vibrant community of PhD and Professional Doctorate students and by our Centres of Excellence which focus on translating our research into high quality teaching and enterprise. As Director, I would like to offer you a warm welcome to the Staffordshire Centre for Psychological Research.
Professor Karen Rodham,
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Staffordshire Centre for Psychological Research
We aim to conduct socially relevant research which has a positive impact on psychological health. We collaborate with private, public and voluntary organisations. Our focus on applied research enhances its impact with the local, national and wider community. We aim to conduct our research within a culture of: • Rigour and fairness • Honesty and integrity • Transparency • High standards of professionalism and ethical conduct
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Our Environment
The Staffordshire Centre for Psychological Research is housed in Staffordshire University’s £30 million Science Centre in Stoke-on-Trent. The Science Centre is home to a range of laboratories and specialist equipment that we use in our research. We are supported by our Award Winning technical support staff. 04
Psychology Laboratories Psychology Human Sciences Suite (PHSS) The PHSS has an impressive array of laboratory equipment including the Electroencephalographic (EEG) Laboratory, The Pain Laboratory, The Cardiovascular Laboratory and the Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory.
Psychology Observation and Cognitive Suite This is a purpose built facility used for research by students and staff. It includes an observation room with video and two-way mirror, a Child Development laboratory and a series of laboratories which house eye trackers, plus five individual testing rooms linked to a central control room.
Staffordshire Centre for Psychological Research
Children’s Laboratory The Staffordshire University Children’s Lab is a research facility where we invite young children and their parents to join us to help us explore this exciting period of development. We specialise in the study of creative development and every visit is valued and we do all we can to make it a fun experience for everyone.
Counselling Suite and Interview Rooms The Counselling Suite is home to the Counselling baseroom and a suite of smaller, separate rooms equipped with microphones and video-recording technology suitable for interviewing participants in our qualitative research.
Health and Behaviour Change This research group focuses on (physical and mental) health and behaviour change. Our specific expertise lies in: • The impact and experience of Long Term Conditions • Health-related Motivation • Health Behaviour Change
www.me-therapy.org
For example:
“Participating in this online program is a unique
Online Support for People with Cancer: Me-therapy was originally conceptualized by Miss Szilva Vas (one of our trainee health psychologists) and developed together with Dr Rachel Povey as a resource for improving body image and managing physical changes associated with cancer. The trial is being conducted jointly with CancerCare US, and is free for anyone who would like to take part.
Me-therapy was inspired through Miss Vas’ work at the Douglas MacMillan Hospice in Stoke-on-Trent. The programme includes video clips, audio resources and mindfulness exercises to teach participants how to challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that characterize negative body image. Participants are also provided with direct email support as they are provided with trained “body image buddies” to better address users’ unique needs.
opportunity for anyone facing cancer, as it gives men and women the chance to work through some of the bodyimage changes that they might be struggling with during or after treatment.” CancerCare Social Work Internship Programme Director, Maria Chi.
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Applied Perception and Cognition We have three key groups within this area of research expertise: • Cognitive Neuroscience • Child Development • Forensic Psychology
Although there have been anecdotal claims about the impact of watching television on young children’s imagination and creativity there has been very little scientific research into this area. The Staffordshire Children’s Lab Director, Dr Sarah Rose, is conducting further investigations in this area.
Some of our research explores whether viewing television increases or decreases creativity and “divergent thinking” in young children. By assessing creativity before and after children watch television, the short term effects of television watching on creativity are evident.
For example: Children’s TV Viewing and Creativity
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Staffordshire Centre for Psychological Research
Get Involved In addition to conducting our own research, we offer consultancy, bespoke training and will undertake commissioned research. If you are interested in working with us, there are a number of ways in which you can get involved with our team of experts.
Research: We have expertise in qualitative and quantitative approaches, state of the art lab spaces, and highly trained experienced staff. We are interested in:
Collaboration: If you have an idea you would like to work on with us in collaboration, contact the staff member direct to work up the proposal.
Research Participation: If you are interested in taking part in our studies, simply contact the Director of the Centre who will add you to our database of willing volunteers.
Commissioned Research: Our staff can work with you on designing, implementing, evaluating and disseminating research.
Consultancy: Specialist staff can work with you to deliver consultancy projects on time and on budget. In addition, we have Doctoral Trainees who (under close supervision of specialist staff) can take on smaller consultancy projects.
Bespoke Training: We have experience of offering bespoke training for health professionals and business. For example: • coping with long-term conditions • stress and pain management • recognising and addressing unconscious bias for health professionals • motivating dietary change for people with Type II diabetes
Speaker Programme: Why not sample our Visiting Speaker Series or the Stoke Psychology in the Pub series that we organise in collaboration with the British Psychological Society West Midlands Branch and the fabulous Glebe pub in the heart of Stoke.
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We are easy to get to by train –
we are just a 5 minute walk from Stoke-on-Trent station. To Hanley (City Centre) and Crime Scene House
Car Park 1
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Car Park 5
Car Park 4
Car Park 6
For further information please contact: Professor Karen Rodham Staffordshire Centre for Psychological Research Staffordshire University Science Centre University Quarter Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DF
#StaffsPsyRes @StaffsPsych
M8393 CBS 06/16
t: +44 (0)1782 294601 e: karen.rodham@staffs.ac.uk w: blogs.staffs.ac.uk/psychologicalresearch/