Psychology students get insights from experts

26 March was a refreshing day spent by our Psychology students in London with some of the world's leading experts, as they unfolded their research for us. Topping the bill was Professor Elizabeth Loftus, voted by her profession the most influential female psychologist of the last century. Her ground-breaking work was on the unreliability of eye-witness testimony when contaminated by post-event information. Her talk gave an insight into what has been learned about this fascinating and important aspect of memory studies. Criminologist Professor David Wilson shared some of the research that has gone into preparations for his BBC television programme (with Emelia Fox) reviewing the evidence of the Jack the Ripper series of murders which has led him to believe that he has identified the murderer. Professors Haslam and Reicher challenged our understanding of two classic studies into obedience (those of Stanley Milgram and Philip Zimbardo). They suggested a particular type of leadership that engenders obedience, one that identifies with and engages followers. Together with some useful examination preparation tips from Cara Flanagan, these speakers provided an encouraging stimulation to the curiosity of our students.