Cognitive (general) psychology

Guarantor: Mgr. Aleš Neusar, Ph.D.
Co-organisers: Dr. Wander van der Vaart (University of Humanistic Studies); Prof. Jaap Murre (University of Amsterdam)

Description: The memories of personal events appear to be incomplete without at least a partial idea of when the events actually occurred. In some cases, the time aspect and its accuracy is crucial – such as when a doctor asks us when we last took our antibiotics, or how long a specific problem has been going on. Autobiographical memory is, however, susceptible to many distortions, as well as the time aspect. The research focuses on predictors of accuracy of dating: the part of the respondent (what factors influence who remembers better); side events (which types of events we remember precisely), and appropriate ways to query temporal aspects of autobiographical events.
Grant support: (April-July 2013: Research mobility FF UP)

Guarantor: prof. PhDr. Alena Plháková, CSc.
Co-organisers: PhDr. Daniel Dostál, Ph.D., Mgr. Tereza Záškodná (DSP student)

Abstract: The research in the field of intelligence and creativity will focus on new types of intelligence, especially emotional and social, in relation to the traditional dimensions of personalities. We will investigate the determinants of domain-specific creativity, in the sphere of motivation, ability (IQ, social and emotional intelligence) and personality traits. Experiments focused on comparing individual and group creativity in different areas (writing, drawing or solving cognitive problems) will be carried out.
Grant support: SGS-IGA – FF_2013_022, ESF-POST UP

Guarantor: prof. PhDr. Alena Plháková, CSc.
Co-organisers: PhDr. Daniel Dostál, Ph.D., PhDr. Denisa Janečková (DSP student) , Lucie Kráčmarová (DSP student)

The research in the field of sleep and dreaming will build on existing studies. The most important areas are related to circadian preference in relation to sleep disturbance, harmful or beneficial health habits (smoking, drinking alcohol, coffee, regular exercise, time spent at the computer, etc.), school benefits, life satisfaction, and creativity. The research about dreaming will focus on the frequency of dream remembrance in relation to specific, but in the Czech Republic not widely known, dimensions of the personality, such as permissive internal borders or absorption capacity. In the future, we will focus on research of repetitive nightmares and dreams that are part of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Guarantor: PhDr. Olga Pechová, Ph.D.
Co-organisers: PhDr. Daniel Dostál, Ph.D., Mgr. Klára Machů  (DSP student), Mgr. et Bc. Barbora Pospíšilová (Masters student)

Abstract: This project uses multidimensional methods to measure spirituality (Expression of Spirituality Inventory and research attitudes to death via the Death Attitude Profile – Revised). Religious beliefs and spirituality are the strongest factors influencing attitudes to death. The research is conducted among the Czech and Slovak populations, and besides exploring the relationship between spirituality and attitudes to death also seeks possible correlations between these attitudes and the five factor model of personality.
Grant support: SGS IGA – FF_2013_034 (Spiritualita a postoje ke smrti)