Dr. Besner's research interests involved basic processes in reading, acquired reading disorders, semantic processing, orthographies and phonologies, computational modelling, intention and control, mental set, and attention and automaticity.
Dr. Dixon's research program has investigated gambling behaviour. Much of his research focused on some of the deceptive features of multiline slot machines. In 2010, his lab coined the term “losses disguised as wins” to describe slots outcomes where players, for example, bet 1$ on a spin and won back 20 cents. His work on losses disguised as wins led to policy changes in Australia. His lab also coined the term “dark flow” to describe the unusual state of absorption that problem players especially experience while playing slots. This state appears to be sought after by depressed players who use slot machine play as a maladaptive coping mechanism. The reinforcing sights and sounds of the slot machine captures their attention, preventing their minds from wandering to negative places.
Dr. Ellard's research focused on how the organization and appearance of natural and built spaces affects movement, wayfinding, emotion and physiology. His approach to these questions was strongly multidisciplinary and was informed by collaborations with architects, artists, planners, and health professionals.
Dr. Wood's research focuses on interpersonal interactions and close relationships—in particular, how personality shapes relationship processes.