Psychology Dept. Research Seminar - Dr Corinne Jola. Keek at that jiggin'! Watching others perform: lasting cognitive, neuronal and emotional effects on audiences; and why I am using a Scottish Dialect in the title

*** Everyone Welcome! No need to book in advance*** 

Date: Thursday 21^st March 2019
Time: 12:00-13:00
Room: Building 9 BG09A

Dr Corinne Jola (Abertray University) 

Abstract: 

A number of recent studies showed evidence that the brain of an onlooker, who observes others’ actions, “mirrors” the movements observed. This process is automatic and subthreshold; meaning, that an observer internally simulates the actions seen even while remaining physically still.  Moreover, it has been found that the spectator’s neuronal response is malleable through motor as well as visual experience, which partly explains the different emotional responses audiences have when watching their preferred style of performance.  In dance, the effects of watching others perform as well as actively participating in dance practice are multifaceted, entailing enhancements in cognitive, affective, and interpersonal skills.  These are in addition to the motor-related physiological improvements found in both healthy participants as well as individuals who suffer from long-term mental and physical impairments.  Based on these findings, one could argue that our brain’s functional properties are inherently kinaesthetic, hence, we benefit from activities that relate to our experience of the position and movements of the body in space on many levels. In my presentation, I will present my research findings within such a framework of kinaesthetic cognition; i.e. how my experimental and performative research using brain imaging, qualitative as well as behavioural methods show supporting evidence that the functional processes involved in watching dance and dancing might in fact underlie language processing, social interaction, and emotional experiences. Lastly, I invite you to come to the presentation if you would like to understand why I am using a Scottish Dialect in the title! *Keek at that jigging is Dundonian for "Watch me dance".  ~ This talk is aimed at anyone interested in psychology, particularly psychology related to  neuropsychology, embodied cognition and movement,  dance, and performance. Students are encouraged to attend. Attendance would benefit both undergraduate and postgraduate students from psychology and related fields.  This this talk may also be of interest to students of dance and other performing arts ~

  Biography:

Corinne is a cognitive neuroscientist, lecturer and choreographer based in the UK since 2004. She trained in Psychology and Dance with Masters awarded in Choreography (with distinction) and in Psychology and a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience.  Her research topics include sensory experience, embodiment, spatial cognition, and action observation.  Overall, her interest is in the adaptability of the sensory and motor processes in dancers, non-dancers, as well as dance spectators through the non-verbal communication processes that take place between audiences and performers. Corinne’s research is published internationally in book chapters and peer-reviewed journals.  Her artistic work has been selected for presentation at several festivals and conferences in the UK and abroad.  The dialogue between science and dance is given a real voice through her comprehensive interdisciplinary approach. For more information please refer to http://tiny.cc/cjola or www.CoCoDanse.com.