Section of Psychology

The research carried out within the Psychology Section focuses on the study of the mind-brain relationship, with particular attention to cognitive processes. Behavioral manifestations, subjective experiences, and the neural bases of cognitive processes are studied through multidisciplinary methodologies and across different age groups, examining their interactions both in typical conditions and in the presence of disorders. Specifically, the Section’s research activity is organized into the following research areas:

- Study of changes in sleep and wakefulness as a function of age, with reference to both physiological and behavioral aspects. Research on cognitive processes in relation to sleep: the effect of sleep on memory. Methods used: polygraphic recordings of sleep and actigraphic recordings.

- Study of specific cognitive processes (perception, categorization, recognition, memory, imagination, and false memories) in healthy and neuropsychological subjects, and how these processes are modulated by emotion. Part of the research focuses on the processing of complex stimuli (e.g., animals and objects), with special attention to face recognition and time/rhythm perception. Individual differences are also considered, particularly with reference to depression and cognitive biases. Decision-making processes and the development of probabilistic reasoning skills are studied using behavioral techniques and computational models. The neural bases of cognitive processes are investigated using psychophysiological techniques (Event-Related Potentials and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation).

- Study of the development of strategies to promote brain repair. The main techniques used are behavioral, in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological, neuroanatomical, biochemical, and molecular approaches. Animal models are employed to study visual development, aging, neurodegeneration, and neurodevelopmental disorders, in which the biological bases of deficits are characterized and effective treatments tested.

- Study of perceptual systems in humans, with a focus on the visual system and the neuronal mechanisms underlying perception. Methods used: psychophysical, electrophysiological, computer science-based, and functional neuroimaging techniques. Particular attention is devoted to the following themes: visual perception of motion; mechanisms for forming stable spatial maps of the external world from images produced by sensory organs on mobile supports (the eyes); the role of attention in visual perception; perception of time, space, and number; integration of sensory information across different modalities; and the application of visual sciences to sports.

- Development, validation, and adaptation of psychological and neuropsychological tests (applying Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory). Assessment in educational, clinical, and health contexts. Analysis of models of psychological theories and clinical intervention practices. Psychosociology of healthcare organizations. Studies on burnout and workplace bullying.
- Study of the modifiability of neural circuits in response to experience (neural plasticity) and the underlying factors, in relation to brain development (with particular focus on critical periods of sensory development), learning and memory processes, and environmental enrichment.

The following laboratories are active within the Section:

• Laboratory of Psychometrics
• Laboratory of Cognitive Processes in Psychology
• Laboratory of Developmental Psychobiology
• Laboratory of Cognitive Psychophysiology
• Sleep Laboratory
• Vision Laboratory