A study on older adult’s use of objects is taking place in the lab during the year 2024/2025. This study started in 2020 but was unfortunately put on pause as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study is now up and running again, and is actively seeking participants, particularly those who are 65 years or older. This research is funded by Swansea University and Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS), in partnership with the Economic and Social Research council (ESRC).
What would be required of me?
During the study, you, the participant, will be asked to watch a recording; this will be a demonstration of a task performed by a researcher, using a piece of equipment. After the demonstration is complete you will be asked to have a go at the task yourself. Following the end of task, you will be verbally asked a series of short questions regarding the task and its completion. You will also be required to complete a few questions by typing on a computer. The experiment will be recorded in order to analyse the data at a later date. The session can be arranged to suit your schedule and will take approximately 30 minutes. Parking outside the lab will be provided as well as, tea/coffee and biscuits!
Can I take part?
To be able to take part you must:
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- Be 65 years or older
- Have normal or corrected vision
- Have no history of cognitive impairment or neurological disorder
- Have the physical dexterity to complete a jigsaw puzzle
When can I take part?
The lab sessions are usually held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays every week, between 10:00am to 17:00pm. However, if you are not able to come in on these days or, within this timeframe, the researchers are more than happy to find a day and time that better suits your schedule.
Where are the sessions held?
The lab sessions are held in the Psychology labs in the Glyndwr building on Singleton Campus, Swansea University. A few days before the session the researchers will email you a map with the location of where to meet the researcher marked on it.
- If you are walking: The researcher will meet you in the building called Vivian Tower, in the seating area situated next to the lifts. Once with the researcher you will then walk together to the lab (it can be tricky to find alone).
- If you are driving: The researcher will meet you at the Lifespan car parking spaces. Once with the researcher you will then walk to the lab together (it can be tricky to find alone).
How do I get to Singleton Campus?
Driving: We have free car parking spaces available on campus opposite the lab. These are very short walk from the lab (∼30 seconds). The researcher will need to book these 48 hours before the session commences so if you would like to reserve one of these for your session please provide your car registration to the researcher and they will be able to book this. Once booked you will be sent a confirmation email with the details of the parking attached.
Walking: There are plenty of footpaths that lead directly to Singleton Campus and Vivian Tower. You will be sent a map of the Campus before arrival however if you would like more specific directions from a specific location please ask the researcher and this can be provided.
Contact details:
If you would like to take part or have any questions please contact:
Chloe Lanceley (PhD student researcher) via email on 965860@swansea.ac.uk, or Dr Vicky Lovett on v.e.lovett@swansea.ac.uk, or leave us a message on the lab phone, 01792295270, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
An information sheet about the research can be found here.
Experimental Psychology Society
This research has now been completed and the results will be presented at the Experimental Psychology Society meeting at the University of Dundee in July. The poster presentation associated with this conference can be found here.
Playlab Swansea 