University of Sunderland

Psychology Facilities

The Psychology Department has a number of purpose-built psychology laboratories that allow students to carry out a wide range practical experiments alongside theoretical learning.

Computing laboratory (incorporating Skillslab) 

We have 50 PCs and 4 power labs located in two rooms that are used for psychology workshop teaching and final year projects. All of the computers within these rooms have access to the internet, have SPSS installed (a statistical analysis software package) and the Focus II Observation psychology teaching software in addition to custom written teaching and experimental software.

The Skillslab is a designated open access space for all students to develop and enhance the skills necessary for a psychology degree. The Skillslab contains extra learning materials and guides, and support is also available.

Multimedia and games research room

We have a new multimedia resource centre that is designed to house popular science literature and magazines (e.g. New Scientist) alongside a suite of computer games.  This is a place where students can relax and have engaging conversation between taught classes in the department. In addition to this, it provides research facilities for the investigation of play.

Our cognitive laboratory has 12 ventilated sound attenuating cubicles (2-person), one with wheelchair access, together with a central seminar teaching area. All booths are equipped with a computer and most have E-prime software installed. We also have an eye-tracking device which allows us to monitor where people are looking, it is particularly useful in visual perception experiment, but can be used in other experimental conditions.

Linguistics Laboratory

We have a dedicated computer and audio recording equipment suitable for linguistics experiments.

We have a dedicated lab that contains computer and luminance calibration equipment specifically designed for the investigation of visual perception.

Other Facilities

In addition to all of the laboratories mentioned, we have monitoring equipment for video cameras that are located in a neighbouring laboratory and equipment that records reaction times. Furthermore, we have links with our colleagues at Sports and Exercise Sciences who have equipment that can monitor heart rate, reaction times, a heat stress room where temperature and humidity can be manipulated in addition to a variety of assessment measures of stress. These facilities allow us the opportunity to collaborate with Sport and Exercise Sciences and design exciting experiments that can investigate the effects of stress on cognition and social interactions.

The Department is based in the Reg Vardy Building, which is part of the award-winning Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's on the banks of the River Wear. Here students can also use the atrium areas for relaxation and refreshments.