At the VICE lab we investigate human visual cognitive processes and we are interested in basic visual processes that tap into the domain of attention and working memory. We are interested in exploring how emotions have an influence on these domains and processes, with a special focus on how emotions - and threatening stimuli in particular - affect visual attentional processes. We find having both practical and theoretical implications of our experiments important. Thus, we aim to study pathology-related special groups, such as people with special phobia or behavioural addiction. As part of this effort, we also do research regarding the connections, background mechanism and characteristic behaviours of various phobias and anxiety disorders. Further, we also aim to develop a more detailed theoretical understanding of the visual cognitive processes underlying these concepts. In doing so we use convergent techniques: classic behavioural paradigms and modern tools, including eye-tracking, pupillometry, and psychological measures. Our overarching goal is to contribute to a better understanding of how our mind works and how we perceive the world.
The lab currently has five graduate students and several more undergraduate research assistants (see below for current lab members and the alumni tab for previous lab members). We have collaborations within the University of Pécs (Institute of Psychology, Department of Behavioural Sciences), other institutions in Hungary (e.g. Eötvös Loránd University) and abroad (e.g. ISMAI University Institute of Maia, Portugal; New Mexico State University, US; Charles University, Czech Republic; University of Oxford, UK; Florida State University, US).
If you are interested in collaborative research, or becoming a Research Assistant, PhD Student or work on your BA/MA thesis in the lab, drop us a line.