MISS QIN CHEN

Biography

I received my Master’s degree in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Chinese Academy Sciences in June 2024. And in the same year, I started my PhD programme at the University of Aberdeen. My PhD project explores the relationships between the sense of agency and episodic memory utilising EEG and rTMS techniques. I am supervised by Prof. Jie Sui and Dr. Mingyuan Chu. 

My primary research interests are in self-related memory processing. Please feel free to contact me about research inquiries or potential collaborations.

Current Research

The sense of agency (SoA) is a subjective feeling and enables individuals to perceive themselves as active agents, influencing their actions, emotions, cognition, and social interactions. Moreover, the interplay between sense of agency and episodic memory shapes our personal narratives and self-identity. However, behavioral research on their relationships presents mixed findings, and there is limited neuropsychological exploration of the actual links between the sense of agency and episodic memory. Thus, this research explores the relationship between the sense of agency and episodic memory, investigating their neural mechanisms and potential causal effects. Utilizing Electroencephalogram (EEG) and repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) techniques, we aim to understand how SoA influences memory processing, particularly. The study aims to bridge the existing knowledge gaps regarding the intricate relationship between the sense of agency and memory, offering insights that could inform the development of cognitive interventions and educational strategies to enhance learning and memory processes. 

Past Research

My master's research has been focused on exploring the influence of congruency between actual outcomes and expectations on episodic memory and its underlying neural mechanisms within the context of active choice. Throughout my academic journey, I have gained significant experience in experimental design, data collection, and data analysis. Proficient in Python and MATLAB, I've utilized these skills for eye-tracking and ERP data analysis and contributed to three published articles, underscoring my dedication to academic research. Additionally, I've received formal training in fMRI-related techniques.