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Psychology and Communication Technology (PaCT) Lab


The digital environment (e.g. the internet, mobile phones, smart homes) is now an integral part of our daily lives and is becoming an increasingly important means of sustaining the health and wellbeing of people worldwide. It is therefore important to understand how the design and use of such technologies persuades and influences us - our thoughts, attitudes, feelings and therefore our behaviour.

The PaCT Lab is one of the few human computer interaction groups based within a psychology department in the UK. It explores the ways in which new communications media and technology affect our everyday choices and behaviours. PACT is particularly interested in users' perceptions of trust, privacy and security and how perceptions influence intention to use certain technology.

  • We seek to answer questions such as:What makes us trust a message or information online?
  • Why and when do we feel secure in disclosing information?
  • What types of privacy do we seek to protect?
  • How can we design technology to improve social inclusion and combat isolation?
  • How can technology improve the health and wellbeing of older people?
  • What are the barriers that may prevent different types of people from using technology in their everyday lives?
  • What do designers and product developers need to consider when developing technology for use by different types of people?

Staff members

Dawn Branley-Bell
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Dr Dawn Branley-Bell

Associate Professor

Psychology

Pamela Briggs
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Professor Pamela Briggs

Professor

Psychology

Genavee Brown
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Dr Genavee Brown

Assistant Professor

Psychology

Kerry Lakey
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Dr Kerry Lakey

Assistant Professor

Psychology

Claire McGrogan
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Dr Claire McGrogan

Senior Research Assistant

Psychology

Liz Sillence
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Dr Liz Sillence

Associate Professor

Psychology

Lisa Thomas
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Dr Lisa Thomas

Assistant Professor

Psychology

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Dr Santosh Vijaykumar

Associate Professor

Psychology

Student members


Research at Northumbria
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Research at Northumbria

Research is the life blood of a University and at Northumbria University we pride ourselves on research that makes a difference; research that has application and affects people's lives.

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Research Staff Profiles

Our students learn from the best – inspirational academic staff with a genuine passion for their subject, whose teaching is shaped by world-leading and internationally excellent research.

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