Talks Explore Choking Under Pressure and Effects of Sleep Loss

The next presentation in the 2012–2013 Psychology Graduate Research Series, co-hosted by the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences and NSU’s Center for Psychological Studies (CPS), will include discussions of ongoing research by two students in the college’s M.S. in Experimental Psychology program.

Psychology Graduate Research Series
Presentations by Benita Benny and Tatiana Viena
Wednesday, Nov. 14
Noon–1:00 p.m.
Parker Building | Room 338

“Under Pressure: Examining Mechanisms Involved in Choking”
By Benita Benny | Faculty Adviser: Jonathan Banks, Ph.D., assistant professor at the college

In many everyday activities, abilities are often evaluated based on performance in high-pressure situations. However, many individuals fail to perform at their potential under these conditions. This study focuses on identifying mechanisms responsible for the deterioration in performance. Specifically, the mechanisms evaluated include state and trait anxieties, working memory, and need for cognition.

“Sleep-Gene Polymorphisms and Psychological Health: A Translational Approach”
By Tatiana Viena | Faculty Adviser: Jaime Tartar, Ph.D., associate professor and coordinator of psychology research at the college

Sleep loss causes changes to psychological health, such as dysregulated emotional behavior, cognitive impairment, and psychopathology. Unlike many other behavioral patterns, the genetic control of sleep is tightly regulated. Accordingly, this study aims to determine the extent to which sleep-gene polymorphisms are associated with the negative psychological symptoms. The ultimate objective is to decipher the molecular basis of sleep patterns and identify the incidence and psychological impact of these polymorphisms in the general population.

The Psychology Graduate Research Series is free and open to the public. Pizza will be served. For more information, contact Jaime Tartar, Ph.D., at (954) 262-8192, or Sarah Valley-Gray, Psy.D., associate professor at the Center for Psychological Studies.

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