How
we perceive our world and respond adaptively in it has been central to inquiry
about the human mind at least since the early Greeks. The study of perception is
established at the forefront of scientific psychology because remarkable
progress has been made and continues to be made thanks to the inherently
interdisciplinary nature of the questions and the methods used to address them.
Science in perception is distinguished by unusually close interaction of
investigators employing a broad arsenal of complementary methods. Graduate study
in perception at Wisconsin is founded upon our commitment to first-rate
scientific contributions founded upon broad interdisciplinary courses and
experiences. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of many outstanding
scholars throughout the University including those in Departments of Anatomy,
Communication Disorders, Computer Science, and Physiology. Our methods range
from simple tasks of viewing or listening to neuroimaging of humans and
multi-electrode brain recordings in animals. One of the most powerful tools is
computational modeling that forges connections from brain development and
activity to our phenomenal experiences of the world around us. Research in
hearing and vision includes perceptual development, perception of complex
sounds, perception of 3D layout and auditory space, attention, and neural
processing of auditory and visual objects and events. Laboratory facilities are
comprehensive and fully state of the art, enhanced by unique opportunities for
training in neuroimaging at the Keck Laboratory for Functional Brain Imaging and
in developmental methods at the Waisman Center. We are committed to maintaining
a collegial environment in which our students collaborate with faculty in
developing their research programs. Our Ph.D. graduates maintain careers as
university or college professors, or as researchers at public or corporate
laboratories.
Psychology Faculty:
Professors Cai, Jenison, Kluender, Postle, Saffran, Seidenberg
Affiliated Faculty:
