Dr Helen Knight

Biography

I received a BSc. (hons.) First Class in Psychology from the University of Glasgow in 2009. Following this, I completed an MSc. in Cognitive Neuroscience at Durham University in 2010. In 2014, I completed my Ph.D. in Psychology, also at Durham University. Following my PhD, I worked as a Lecturer (2014-2019) and a Senior Lecturer (2019-2022) in Psychology at the University of Sunderland. During this time, I completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education and I am a Fellow of Advance HE. I joined the University of Aberdeen as a Senior Lecturer in 2022, and have been Director of Education for the School of Psychology since January 2023.

My main area of research lies in the study of cognitive biases in motivational behaviour with a focus on addiction, eating and sexual behaviour. Specifically, I examine the role of attention, biases of visual attention, and approach/avoidance biases in motivational behaviours such as alcohol consumption, other addictive behaviours (such as problem gambling), eating behaviours (such as voluntary diet choice and food craving in healthy aging), and sexual behaviours (such as partner choice and asexuality). I also examine cognitive models of attention and how cognitive control mechanisms are used to minimise distractions caused by cognitive biases. I am also part of a cross-institution research group examining monotropic attention in autism.

I am very happy to be contacted to discuss potential collaborations.

Research Overview

My main area of research lies in the study of cognitive biases in motivational behaviour with a focus on addiction, eating and sexual behaviour. Specifically, I examine the role of attention, biases of visual attention, and approach/avoidance biases in motivational behaviours such as alcohol consumption, other addictive behaviours (such as problem gambling), eating behaviours (such as voluntary diet choice and food craving in healthy aging), and sexual behaviours (such as partner choice and asexuality). I also examine cognitive models of attention and how cognitive control mechanisms are used to minimise distractions caused by cognitive biases. Finally, I am involved in research examining monotropic attention in autistic adults, with an emphasis on integrating cognitive models of attention within autism research.

Teaching Responsibilities

I am the course coordinator for PS4556 Psychology of Addiction