Ms Rashma Hirani

Research project: Expression recognition across the lifespan

Abstract

My research focuses on emotion recognition from briefly occurring facial expressions. I have studied this skill among typically developing individuals and extended this to atypically developing individuals, specifically those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who are characterised by social communication impairments. Initial findings suggest individuals with ASD can infer emotion from briefly presented expressions. Comparative studies between typically developing and ASD individuals, especially among children and adolescents, explore factors like time variations and intensities in inferring emotions. Future research aims to utilise this information to guide interventions and enhance this crucial ability in our daily lives.

  • Research degree: PhD
  • Title of project: Expression recognition across the lifespan
  • Research supervisor: Dr Elisa Back

Biography

I am an experienced teacher of Science and Psychology who has continued to teach whilst working towards completing my PhD part-time. After receiving my MRes in Psychology, I continued my love of learning to qualify as Biology specialist. These roles have allowed me to grow accustomed to switching between my role as a teacher, student, and researcher. My background and hands-on experience working with children and adolescents with a variety of needs has been invaluable in shaping my research. Interacting with children who are identified as SEN, EAL and from disadvantaged backgrounds has allowed me a unique insight into the relationship between theory and practice. This has also shaped the work that I do within the Inclusion team within education. As a researcher, I have enjoyed presenting my research and sharing ideas with researchers, colleagues, and students alike.

Areas of research interest

  • Facial Expressions
  • Autism

Qualifications

  • Joint BSc Psychology with Sociology, University of Sussex

Funding or awards received

  • CogSoCoAGE Student bursary to attend Social Communication Conference at Kent University
  • BPS Student bursary to attend annual Conference in Straford-upon-Avon, UK

Conference papers

"The recognition of microexpressions across the lifespan in typically developing individuals." BPS Developmental Psychology Conference; Hilton, Belfast, UK. 2016.

"The recognition of microexpressions across the lifespan in typically developing individuals." Neurodevelopmental Annual Seminar (NDAS); Kingston University, UK. 2017.

 "The recognition of microexpressions across the lifespan in typically developing individuals." BPS Developmental Psychology Conference; Crown Plaza, Straford-upon-Avon, UK. 2017.

 "The recognition of microexpressions: a comparison between children with ASD and TD children." Neurodevelopmental Annual Seminar (NDAS); Coventry University, UK. 2018.

"Recognising microexpressions of mental states across varying age groups." CogSoCoAGE Conference, June, University of Kent, UK. 2018.