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Summary

James is a Reader in Psychology and the department’s director of postgraduate research. His research focuses on voluntary action.

One research strand aims to understand where the feeling of control over action comes from. This sense that we control our own actions is fundamental to human psychology, underpinning various aspects of human culture, such as our systems of law. Another research strand concerns the perception and understanding of voluntary actions that others make. This ability is essential for the successful navigation of our social world: for example, holding others responsible for their actions requires accurate attributions of intent.

Grants and Awards

James has received grant funding Leverhulme Trust, Bial Foundation, the ARC and Macquarie University.

Public Engagement and Knowledge Exchange

Examples of James’ public engagement and knowledge exchange activity include:
• Research consultancy with non-HEIs, including the private sector and charities.
• A week in Westminster through the Royal Society Pairing Scheme
• Working with In2Science to offer internships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Public lectures

Research Interests

• Sense of agency
• Volition
• Intention attribution
• Consciousness
• Human-computer-interaction
• Sense of ownership