School of Psychology

Brigantia Building

Bangor University

Bangor, Gwynedd

pbeffa@bangor.ac.uk

01248 383816

My research interests lie within Cognitive and Applied Neuropsychology, more specifically in Executive Functions. My theoretical background is mostly on cogntive control, applying this knowledge to a wide range of behaviour. I am not limited to one type of method, and instead have used a variety of paradigms (Task Switching, Go-NoGo, Stroop, Priming, ANT, Episodic Memory), populations (Schizophrenia, Schizotypia, Multiple Schlerosis, Down Syndrome, adults born prematurely, older adults, Martial Artists) and techniques (Reaction Times, Questionnaires, Event Related Potentials, Transcranial Magnetic Resonance, 3D virtual environment). I am currently fascinated by ways in which we can boost these executive functions, from the use of verbal instructions, curiosity, concentration and Martial Arts. I also work as Director of Impact and Engagement.

• Verbal Instructions
• Attention and Episodic Memory encoding
• Differential Outcomes Effect
• Attentional Networks Test
• Stroop and Negative Priming
• Task Switching and Mixing Costs
• Martial Arts and self-defense
• Curiosity and Motivation

I am happy to supervise students wishing to research cognitive control and executive functions. This research should rely on quantitative data and should have a neurocognitive theoretical background. I am particularly interested in applications to common behaviour, such as concentration, decision making or academic performance. Currently I have two PhD students working on 1) Perception of Threat in interpersonal agression,that is, on-site prediction of knife attacks and 2) the use of verbal instructions to boost mathematic performance.