Seminar SeriesPsychology Research Seminars - Spring 2023

The School of Psychological Sciences & Health are delighted to announce their upcoming seminar series for Spring 2023, beginning on January 25th.

January 25, 1-2PM
Dr Anne Borden King
"Cures" for autism & ADHD in historical and cultural context - and what the neurodiversity movement is doing to disrupt the market

Abstract: Health disinformation about autism and ADHD is rampant on social media - and so are scam products that claim to cure these conditions. In this lecture, journalist Anne Borden King describes how she entered the inner worlds of parent support groups on Facebook and what she found: companies stealth-marketing bleach and other snake oil as supposed cures for autism and ADHD. She explores regulators' efforts to shut the companies down - as well as the storied history of autism scams and the cultural conditions that have led families to buy into them. Finally, she looks at the role of the neurodiversity movement in re-shaping perspectives and disrupting the market for fake autism cures.

February 15, 1-2PM
Dr Rosalie Ashworth, NHS Scotland
What is healthy aging? The influence of Alzheimer disease pathology on aging trajectories

Abstract: The talk will share the work of Partners in Research, a group of people with lived experience of dementia and neuroprogressive disease working with NHS Scotland to support relevant research. We will explore some of the benefits of co-production/patient and public involvement in research, as well as some of the challenges of taking this approach.

February 22, Face to face, GH 515
Dolly Sunilkumar, University of Strathclyde
Identity recognition in applied contexts: Selection as a route to enhance performance

Abstract: Dolly is a PhD student, and will present some of her work. Voice recordings obtained from criminal investigations can be key to the accurate identification of a suspect, and such evidence is admissiable in a court of law. However, while there is a vast literature on applied face recognition and the fallibility of eyewitness memory, the study of applied voice recognition and 'earwitness' memory is an under researched area. Here, we assess individual differences in unfamiliar voice identification using established but highly constrained tests (i.e. vowel sounds), novel tasks that mirror the type of real world speech that earwitnesses and juries are likely to encounter, and we investigate whether those who excel at voice identification also excel at face identification.

February 22, Face to face, GH 515
Nesrine Boussaoui, University of Strathclyde
Exploring Algerian International Students' Mental Health and Well-being in UK Universities

Abstract: Nesrine is a PhD student, and will present some of her work. International students encounter various challenges whilst in their host country; language barriers, lack of social networks, cultural differences all may impact upon their mental health and well-being. Though there is a wide literature in investigating the effect of internationalisation, acculturation, and adjustment in understanding students' mental health and wellbeing in UK universities, little is known about Algerian international students (AISs). 

March 8, 1-2PM
Professor Fiona Smart, Napier University
Rocking the Boat

Abstract: This seminar takes the form of a provocation designed to stir conversation and challenge thinking. Borrowing from Meyerson's work, it invites discussion in respect of whether we can, or should rock the boat? It aims to elicit thinking and action in respect of what might be rocked, with what intended outcome? Critically, it creates the space for contemplating support mechanisms necessary to the boat rocker if they are to survive and thrive.

Zoom meeting details will be provided via e-mail. Please e-mail Aliyah.rehman@strath.ac.uk if you would like to attend any of these talks.

Face to face talks on 22nd of February, take place in Graham Hills building, room 515, 40 George Street.