Research Labs

Labs

Cognitive Psychophysiology Laboratory (CogPsyLab)

Location: Via di S. Salvi, 12/Building 26, Director: Prof. Maria Pia Viggiano

The Cognitive Psychophysiology Laboratory (CogPsyLab) is dedicated to the study of the dynamic interaction between cognition and emotion in both normal and pathological conditions. Research focuses on exploring the mechanisms underlying several cognitive processes — including cognitive control, perception, attention, memory, and decision-making — and how these processes are modulated by emotional factors. Activities are carried out in collaboration with research groups at both national and international levels, using an integrated approach that combines behavioral methods, subjective measures, electrophysiological techniques (event-related potentials and autonomic indices), neuroimaging (fMRI), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and computational models. The goal is to deepen the understanding of the relationship between mind and brain.

 

Maplap Laboratory

Location: Via di S. Salvi, 12/Building 26, Director: Prof. Roberto Arrighi

The Maplap Laboratory studies perceptual systems, action mechanisms, and their interaction through a multidisciplinary approach that includes psychophysical behavioral measures, electrophysiological recordings (EEG), imaging techniques (fMRI), and pupillometry. Research lines involve studies on both adults and typically developing adolescents, as well as cohorts of neurological patients with various perceptual dysfunctions (e.g., neglect).

 

Psychometrics Laboratory

Location: Via di S. Salvi, 12/Building 26, Director: Prof. Caterina Primi

The Psychometrics Laboratory conducts research aimed at: i) developing and adapting psychometric instruments through Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT); ii) developing integrated assessment protocols (physiological, psychometric, and behavioral) for psychological constructs; iii) studying explanatory models of psychological phenomena through multivariate analysis models; and iv) designing and evaluating prevention interventions. The laboratory is characterized by a wide range of research interests, including gambling and addictive behaviors, decision-making and risk-taking, mathematics anxiety, and psychological well-being (with particular reference to healthcare work environments). The laboratory maintains numerous collaborations with national and international research groups as well as public institutions and third-sector organizations, and its staff are regularly involved in training activities and scientific outreach. The laboratory also hosts internal activities corresponding to 6 ECTS credits for the Practical Evaluation Internship (TPV) required for the qualifying Master’s Degree in Psychology within the Master’s Degree Programme in Life-Span and Contextual Psychology.

 

Sleep Laboratory (SleePsyLab)

Location: Via di S. Salvi, 12/Building 26, Director: Prof. Fiorenza Giganti

The Sleep Laboratory (SleePsyLab) studies cognitive processes in relation to sleep, with particular focus on learning and memory, both in good sleepers and in clinical populations. The laboratory also investigates changes in sleep and wakefulness across the lifespan, as well as psychological aspects related to sleep, such as perceived sleepiness and behaviors associated with sleep propensity, for example yawning. These aspects are also studied in specific populations such as evening types, morning types, and individuals with insomnia. The laboratory is also interested in evaluating the effectiveness of cognitive and behavioral interventions aimed at improving sleep quality. Sleep characteristics are assessed through subjective methods (sleep diaries, scales, and questionnaires) and objective methods (polygraphic recordings and actigraphy).

 

Laboratory of Cognitive Processes

Location: Via di S. Salvi, 12/Building 26, Director: Prof. Corrado Caudek

 

FAN LAB: Florence Autoimmune Neurology Lab

Location: Viale Pieraccini 6, Cube 2, Director: Prof. Valentina Damato