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Psychology research

The Department of Psychology is committed to producing theoretical and applied research of the highest quality. Our research aligns to a number of important global priorities outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These include: good health and well-being, reduced inequalities, climate action and peace and justice.

Not only are we actively involved in research around these important areas, but we work in partnership with the general public, organisations and policy-makers to ensure our insights can be applied to make a difference in the world. Our courses and extra-curricular opportunities encourage our students to apply their psychology subject knowledge to real world issues, including these global priorities

Find out more about study opportunities

Based on the Research Excellence Framework (2021):

57% of our psychology research outputs are rated world-leading or internationally excellent

100% of our psychology research impact is rated as internationally excellent or recognised internationally

Research Excellence Framework (2021)

Commitment to open and reproducible research

As part of our commitment to doing excellent research, we are members of the UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN); a national network of researchers dedicated to addressing the challenges and opportunities for improving the reproducibility and reliability of scientific research in the UK. Our local network lead is Dr Michel Belyk who can be contacted for more information.

Research groups

How our psychology research is making a difference towards being a healthier society

Reducing substance misuse
Helping cancer survivors and carers
Keeping our brains healthier for longer

How our research is reducing inequalities and promoting a more inclusive society

Understanding and celebrating diversity
Understanding how we can be more prosocial
Reducing stigma

How our research is making a difference towards reducing the effects of climate change

Helping researchers reach net zero
Improving climate change messaging
Increasing green food purchasing

How our research is making a differences towards a more just society

Informing effective approaches to violence prevention and reduction
Improving the accuracy of eye-witness testimony
Improving forensic clinical assessments

Research facilities

We have a wide range of impressive research technologies, tools and facilities which helps us do our cutting-edge research. These are also part of the way we involve our students in our work and provide great practical, hands-on experience for our students to learn about psychology research by actually doing it!

Take a look at our research facilities

Research participation

Want to learn more about our psychology research? One of the best ways to do so is to take part as a participant. You can even earn credit or be paid!

Our research studies can take many different formats including:

  • online survey studies (you can do these remotely)
  • lab-based studies whilst we use technology such as eye-trackers, neurological measures, or VR
  • lab-based studies where you complete surveys and/or computerised tasks

All lab-based studies take place on the top floor of the Law and Psychology building at Edge Hill’s beautiful Ormskirk campus.

Sign up to be a research participant

Paid research internship scheme

To provide hands-on experience for our students, we run a paid internship scheme. This complements their research methods training and helps them apply their learning to real world research.

Find out more about our research internship scheme

Knowledge Exchange

We are committed to making sure our research insights and expertise can be used for societal and/or economic impact.

Based on our internationally-recognised research, we have expertise in: understanding human learning behaviour, supporting behavioural change in people & organisations, and understanding consumer behaviour.

Find out more about our Knowledge Exchange Services

Get in touch

If you would like to find out more about our research, please get in touch with our Associate Head of Research.