Centre for Research in Human DevelopmentWhat is it ?The Centre for Research in Human Development supports a broad spectrum of research, including research on the development of object perception, spatial orientation, infant movement, infant-parent interaction, theory of mind, memory, and mathematical reasoning. Researchers associated with the centre benefit from belonging to a dynamic intellectual community, which includes in its membership a number of internationally recognised experts in the field. The Centre also offers a unique, state-of-the art facility that contains an extensive range of resources. ▼ Resources The new building has purpose-built labs where, for example, research into infant visual and auditory perception takes place under sound proofed conditions. The development of spatial abilities and those relating to motor control (e.g., reaching and grasping) are studied using specialist equipment that includes a head-free eye tracking system and another for registering limb movements in three dimensions. A lab for observing social interactions and testing young children's cognitive development is used primarily for the study of key abilities in the preschool and early school years. These include the development of planning in everyday tasks and tests for a 'theory of mind' which examine how children come to be able to predict and explain other people's actions. These abilities are major achievements in the preschool years and are notably delayed in children experiencing problems in development, particularly those with autism and Asperger's syndrome. Local people who volunteer their children to take part in these sorts of studies are vital to the success of the research. Parents are encouraged to be present during research involving their child, and all studies will consist of activities that both infants and children enjoy doing. Due to the relatively settled population in the Lancaster area, we are able to track infants from soon after birth to pre-school age and beyond. This allows us to do longitudinal studies, giving us a deeper understanding of human development. ▼ Teaching The department's MSc in Developmental Psychology is taught using specially-designed facilities based in the Centre. Students undertaking PhD research in human development also have the opportunity to use its resources. Other courses, including some of our undergraduate options, draw on the equipment and experimental set-ups available in the Centre. ▼ Contact If you would like to take part in any of the infant and child research at Lancaster University please contact us:
▼ Getting there Start off by getting to the university campus. Once you're on campus, you should look for the centre here:  ▼ Links Links to other relevant research labs |
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