Cognition : Functioning and Dysfunctions

Sandrine Delord (MCF), Joanna Lucenet (MCF), Stéphanie Mathey (PR), Virginie Postal-Le Dorse (PR), Christelle Robert (PR), Jérôme Tagu (MCF)

Presentation

This research program focuses on experimental and/or neuropsychological study of normal cognitive functioning in young adults, children and the elderly, as well as cognitive dysfunctions associated with pathologies. The general objective is to assess the underlying mechanisms of cognitive functions (language, memory, executive control, perception and attention), linked to individual characteristics.

Our work fits with the scopes of experimental cognitive psychology, neuropsychology and cognitive development in the broad sense (including cognitive aging). Original experimental protocols using chronometric, psychophysical or physiological measures are combined with standardized indicators of cognitive functioning, thymic or emotional state.

Language Processes

Objective: to study the cognitive representations and processes underlying language activities (visual word recognition, lexical production, reading of emotional words), as well as changes related to individual characteristics (age, lexical skills, emotional characteristics, …). We also specify the role of lexical and lexico-emotional processes and representations in other cognitive activities (memory, attention) in young and older adults.

Visual and Attentional Processes

Objective: to elucidate the cognitive mechanisms at work in normal visual and attentional processes, their changes with age or pathology (acquired brain damage, psychopathological disorders). In particular, we study the modulation of attentional bias through suggestions to suppress or increase the emotional reactivity of the participant.

Memory and Executive Processes

Objective: to study memory and executive processes of typical and atypical functioning at different ages of life. We specify the underlying mechanisms (attentional control engaged in tasks), as well as the influence of situational (contexts) and individual (expertise, sleep) characteristics. We study rare or chronic diseases in children, adolescents or adults, as well as pathological aging, in order to identify loss-making processes for the purpose of improving  the diagnosis and management of patients.