Perceptual distortions to be explored at Professor Longo's inaugural lecture
Distorted representation of body size and shape will be the focus of Professor Matthew Longo's inaugural lecture.
Distorted representation of body size and shape will be the focus of an inaugural lecture by Professor Matthew Longo - a newly-promoted professor from Birkbeck’s Department of Psychological Sciences.
On Thursday, June 4, Professor Longo will present on the topic of Spatial Distortions in Perception and Cognition. Spatial distortions have long been known to characterise early representatives of the senses in the brain. Recent studies have revealed traces of these distortions in higher- level aspects of perception and cognition.
In his inaugural lecture, which will be held in Room B01 at the Clore Management Centre at 5pm, Professor Longo will describe this research, focusing on distorted representation of body size and shape. In particular, he will describe distorted body representations underlying touch and proprioception, as well as in our conscious body image. Delusions and misperceptions of the body are a conspicuous feature of several neurological and psychiatric conditions. The research he will discuss shows that distorted body representations are also a ubiquitous aspect of healthy mental life.
Professor Longo said: 'It is a great privilege to deliver this lecture. The topic of perceptual distortions has been a central aspect of my research for a number of years. So I’m particularly delighted to speak on this topic. I hope that my lecture will give people a better sense of the way in which our perceptual system shapes our experience of the world, and the methods that psychologists use to investigate perception.'
Free places at Professor Longo’s inaugural lecture can be booked at Eventbrite
Find out more:
Spatial Distortions in Perception and Cognition
Professor Longo’s inaugural lecture is part of a programme of presentations throughout June delivered by Birkbeck’s professors
More science lectures from June inaugural lecture programme:
Microtubules and microscopes: studies of the cytoskeleton in health and disease (Professor Carolyn Moores) Monday June 1, 5pm, B01, Clore Management Centre.
Extreme Recycling: The Challenges of Understanding Global Element Circulation (Professor Karen Hudson-Edwards) Monday June 15, 5pm, Room B01, Clore Management Centre.
Modelling Cognitive Function and Dysfunction(Professor Rick Cooper) Thursday June 18, 6pm, Room B01, Clore Management Centre.