UK University Guides

Psychology - A Very Human Science

One key facility that helps Staffordshire University undergraduate psychology students in their studies are the Human Sciences Laboratories (HSL).  These laboratories allow students to obtain experience of psychophysiological methodology, which includes the measurement of pain, electroencephalograph (EEG), and cardiovascular function, to support the biological aspects of our accredited awards.  In particular, the HSL significantly extends the range of independent project work students may undertake in their final year.

In the final year of their degree courses most psychology students carry out an individual research project that is designed by themselves in conjunction with their academic supervisor.  This research enables them to pursue their own interests in an area of psychology and to design, run, analyse and interpret a study.  Every year 10 to 20 students chose to work on projects within the HSL and use the specialist equipment and technical expertise that we have.  There is a large range of studies that students can conduct that may, for example, focus on physiological responses, eating behaviour and pain tolerance.

Some recent examples of research projects include:

• The effects of stress on eating sugary and savoury foods;
• The relationship between blood pressure responses to stress and the attachments people have with their parents;
• The effects of different types of music on responses to pain!

Verity Stamp is a final year student who is working in the Human Sciences Laboratories.  She knew that she wanted to carry out a laboratory based experimental study that would enable her to draw conclusions about the effects of aroma therapy oils.  In her study participants were asked to immerse their hands in a bath of ice cold water whilst, at the same time, inhaling aroma therapy oils such as lavender, which is suggested to be a relaxant.  Verity is measuring how long people are willing to leave their hand in the water before it becomes too painful to tolerate and seeing if the time increases with the use of aromatherapy oils and varies according to which one is being used.  She is also measuring blood pressure and heart rate to see if responses to pain are reduced when inhaling lavender oil.

Verity says that using the HSL has helped to carry out and understand her research studies which have been "good experience", that she has received "good training, so I know what to do", that there is a "good atmosphere in the laboratory with other students working on their projects", and there is "excellent technical support".

Linda Szekely is examining the relationship between the cognitive motivations for eating and television adverts.  In her study students watch two episodes of Friends, one of which is interspersed with more food adverts than the other.  Students are given chocolate buttons and told they can eat as many as they want!  The expectation of the study is that when there are more food adverts they will eat more chocolate.  Linda started the study because of her interests in advertising as well as her love of Psychology.  She says "that I've learnt a lot about the equipment" and appreciated the use of the preparation areas and kitchen.

Whatever their interests, our Psychology students all tell us they benefit enormously from the practical nature of our courses and the knowledge and skills they develop during their time with us.  Almost all of our graduates continue with their studies or find employment, either in Psychology or in a broad range of other vocations.
To find out more about Psychology at Staffordshire University, contact us:
t:    01782 294880
e:    scienceadmissions@staffs.ac.uk
text    STAFFS PSYCHOLOGY to 88800 (standard text rates apply)
www.staffs.ac.uk/psychology