Dr Stuart Wilson
Lecturer in Psychology,
Telephone: +44 (0)131 474 0000
E-mail: swilson@qmu.ac.u
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Summary Biography
I joined QMU in 2002, having completed a PhD at University of Edinburgh. Prior to this I completed a MSc (also from University of Edinburgh) and an MA (Hons) degree from University of Glasgow
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Research Interests
I am increasingly interested in the adaptive function of cognition, particularly memory systems. As well as being interested in this topic for its own sake, I am also interested in the role that cognition has in giving rise to cultural concepts and beliefs (e.g. "religious" beliefs and practices; superstitious/paranormal beliefs and practices).
I also have an interest in conceptual and philosophical issues, such as consciousness and the mind-body problem, philosophy of science and epistemology in psychology.
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Current / Recent Research Projects
Adaptive Memory
Whilst most research on memory has focussed on memory processes (e.g. that semantically encoded information is better remembered) and its structures (e.g. the long-term/short-term distinction), relatively little has been conducted on the ultimate function of memory. As an old engineering adage says "if you want to know how it works, first find out what it's for". My current research with Steve Darling (QMU) and Jon Sykes (GCal) is looking at this question. What is memory for? Are some things inherently more memorable than other things? If yes, why? Does it serve an adaptive function to remember some things better than others?What role does context play?
Religion, Cognition and Society
Why do some people have beliefs that we would loosely call "religious"? Is it an accident of having the brains and minds that we do, or do these beliefs have any benefit, to either the individual or to the group to which the individual belongs? I am interested in both the cognitive "nuts and bolts" that allow religious beliefs to exist, and in the effects that such beliefs have. A current project involves investigating religion's role (or otherwise) in forgiving others.
Paranormal and Superstitious Beliefs
Many people touch wood, or have a lucky mascot. Are these just cultural affectations, handed down through the generations, or do people genuinely believe they make a difference? If the latter, then what are the psychological building blocks of such beliefs? Do they reflect "faulty" thinking, or are they indicative of psychological phenomena present in all of our minds?
Funding Sources
- Bial Foundation – Implicit Learning and Parapsychology: £33,000.
Professional Membership
and Activities
- Chartered Psychologist in the British Psychological Society (BPS)
- Member of the Association for Psychological Science
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Teaching and Administration
I am involved with teaching at all levels, and teach mainly on research methods, statistics and cognitive psychology. I have developed and delivered a number of modules.
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Authored Book
Wilson, S. and Maclean, R. (2011) – Research Methods and Data Analysis for Psychology (London: McGraw-Hill Education).
Accompanying book website
Selected Publications
Wilson, S ., Darling, S. & Sykes, J. (under review) Adaptive Memory: Fitness relevant stimuli show a memory advantage in a game of pelmanism. Psychonomic Bulletin and Review.
Wilson, S . (2010) The naturalness of weird beliefs. The Psychologist, 23 (7), 565-567.
Wilson, S and Hamlin, I. (2007) Implicit Learning in a Card Prediction Task. European Journal of Parapsychology, 221, 3 – 29.
Wilson, S ., Morris, R.L., Pronto, E. and Tilopoulous, N. (2005) Psi and associative processes. Journal of Parapsychology, 68, 129-155..
Wilson, S (2002) Psi, perception without awareness and False Recognition. Journal of Parapsychology, 66 (3) 271-291.
Sherwood, S.J., Roe, C.A., Holt, N.J., & Wilson, S (2005) Interpersonal psi: Exploring the role of the experimenter and the experimental climate in a Ganzfeld telepathy task. European Journal of Parapsychology, 202, 150-172
Conferences
2009 Wilson, S. Implicit Learning in a Card Prediction Task. Paper presented as part of the "Anomalistic Psychology" symposium, BPS Consciousness and Transpersonal Psychology Conference, St Anne's College, University of Oxford.
2004 Wilson, S. & Hamlin I (2004). Implicit Learning and Parapsychology. Abstract Presented at the 4th Bial Symposium: Behind and Beyond the Brain. Porto, Portugal.
2002 Wilson, S. and Morris, R.L (2002). Psi, perception without awareness and false recognition. Paper presented at the 45 th Annual Convention of the Parapsychological Association, Paris, France.
2002 Wilson, S. (2002). Psi and the Cognitive Unconscious. Poster presented at the 3 rd Bial Symposium: Behind and Beyond the Brain. Porto, Portugal.
2001 Wilson, S. (2001) Psi and perception without awareness. Paper presented at the Society for Psychical Research 25 th International Conference, Clare College, University of Cambridge.
2001 Wilson, S. (2001) Psi, word association and auditory perception without awareness. Paper presented at the Postgraduate Seminar Programme, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh.
2000 Wilson, S., Morris, R.L. and Pronto, E. (2000). Psi and associative processes. Paper presented at the Society for Psychical Research 24 th International Conference, University College Northampton.
1999 Wilson, S. (1999). Psi and the Cognitive Unconscious: New Comparisons. Paper presented at the Postgraduate Seminar Programme, Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh.
Other
2003 Program Chair - Parapsychological Association 46 th Annual Convention, Vancouver, Canada.
2005 Guest speaker on State University of New York: Geneseo’s “The Sociology of Science and the Paranormal” summer school (hosted by University of Edinburgh )
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