Our research investigates how language and cognition interact, focusing on bilingualism, word recognition, and speech perception. Using behavioural, eye-tracking, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) techniques, we study how language backgrounds impact cognitive functions like memory and attention. With Malaysia’s multilingual setting, our work is uniquely positioned to explore cross-linguistic and cross-cultural influences on language processing, contributing to applied research in educational and social contexts. 

Academic: Dr Christine Leong, Dr Jess Price, Dr Alfred Lim and Dr Soon Tat Lee 

We explore human development across the lifespan, from childhood to adulthood, studying factors like parenting, peer relations, and societal values. Our research looks at positive and adverse developmental outcomes and focuses on well-being, including non-substance addictions like social media use. We employ a range of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches, embracing interdisciplinary collaborations to provide a holistic understanding of human development. 

Academic: Dr Chong Shue Ling and Dr Lee Eun Hee 

Our research examines how evolutionary theories explain human behaviour, focusing on altruism, morality, and sex differences. We explore questions like why humans help others and how morality may have evolved. We also study how nature and nurture contribute to sex differences and why these findings can be controversial. By combining evolutionary biology with psychology, we aim to illuminate fundamental aspects of human social behaviour. 

Academic: Professor Steve Stewart-Williams 

We study autobiographical memory, exploring how people recall personal life events and how these memories shape identity. Our research delves into phenomena like the reminiscence bump—why we remember more from adolescence—and the functions of memory, such as preparing for future events or regulating emotions. We also investigate psychological distance, examining how memories of past events feel close or distant and how this influences mental health. 

Academic: Professor Steve Janssen 

Our research addresses societal challenges related to sustainability and liveability, using psychological approaches to explore human-centred solutions. We focus on creating pleasant built environments in urban settings and understanding how people navigate media environments rife with misinformation. We also study e-government services, aiming to improve the interaction between governments and citizens by applying psychological insights to enhance user satisfaction and digital engagement. 

Academic: Dr Lee Eun Hee and Dr Chong Shue Ling 

We investigate how visual perception enables us to recognise and interact with objects, people, and environments. Our research spans from basic colour discrimination to complex face and object recognition. Using eye-tracking, EEG, and behavioural paradigms, we study how the brain processes visual information and how these processes relate to real-world tasks like identifying faces and navigating environments. 

Academic: Dr Wong Hoo Keat, Dr Miflah Hussain and Dr Alfred Lim 

Our neuropsychology research in Malaysia focuses on understanding both normal and abnormal brain functions, with a particular emphasis on ageing. We study cognitive functions like memory, attention, and perception, investigating how brain mechanisms change with age. Using techniques such as EEG, eye-tracking, and transcranial stimulation (tDCS, TMS), we explore how the ageing brain compensates for cognitive decline. Our work also aims to detect early signs of cognitive deterioration and develop therapeutic strategies to address age-related deficits in cognition, emotion, and behaviour. 

Academic: Dr Polly Chen and Dr Soon Tat Lee