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Staff profile

staff list  BackDr David Vernon

  • Job title: Senior Lecturer
  • Dept: Applied Social Sciences
  • Tel: 01227 782501
  • Campus: Canterbury
D Vernon

Senior Lecturer in Psychology

Teaching responsibilities

  • MPSMD1PSY Introduction to Psychology
  • MPSMD2PPP Psychology of Optimal Performance (Convenor)  
  • MPSMD3PBY Psychobiology (Convenor)
  • MPSMD3PRP Psychology Research Project (Convenor)

Research interests

My research interests cover a range of cognitive and neuropsychological topics. I am particularly interested in the field of Positive Psychology and the various techniques that have been used over time to aid or enhance some aspect of human performance. I have a special interest in the use of electroencephalographic biofeedback and cortical entrainment techniques to enhance cognition.

Other interests include the use of neurofeedback for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), the distinction between implicit and explicit memory, in particular the flexibility of implicit memory.

Membership of professional organisations

  • Society of Applied Neuroscience (Council Member)
  • International Society for Neuronal Regulation
  • Electric Neuronal Oscillations and Cognition COST Action B27 Working Group
  • Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems (Kent)

PhD applications

I would welcome applications from potential doctorate students in these areas

Recent publications

Books
  • Vernon, D. (2009). Human Potential: Exploring Techniques Used to Enhance Human Performance. London, Routledge.
Book chapters
  • Vernon, D., & Dempster, T. (in press). Neurofeedback: Refining the methodology of brain-computer interface training. In F. Orsucci and N. Sala (Eds). Complexity Science, Living Systems and Reflexing Interfaces: New Models and Perspectives. IGI, Group, Hershey, PA, USA.
  • Vernon, D. (2008). Neurofeedback: using computer technology to alter brain functioning. In F. Orsucci and N. Sala (Eds). Reflecting interfaces: the complex coevolution of information technology ecosystems, IGI Press.
  • Vernon, D., & Gruzelier, J. (2008). Electroencephalographic biofeedback as a mechanism to alter mood, creativity and artistic performance. In B. N. DeLuca (Ed.), Mind-body and relaxation research focus. Nova Science.
  • Gruzelier, J., Egner, T., & Vernon, D. (2006). Validating the efficacy of neurofeedback for optimising performance. In: C. Neuper, W. Klimesch (Eds.), Event-related dynamics of brain oscillations. Series: Progress in Brain Research. Elsevier, Amsterdam, Vol. 159, 421-432.
Journal articles
  • Van Boxtel, G.J.M., Denissen, A., Jager, M., Vernon, D., Dekker, M.K.J., Mihajlovic, V., & Sitskoorn, M.M. (2012). A novel self-guided approach to alpha activity training using water based electrodes. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 282-294 
  • Vernon, D., Dempster, T., Bazanova, O., Rutterford, N., Pasqualini, M., Andersen, S. (2009). Alpha neurofeedback training for performance enhancement: reviewing the methodology. Journal of Neurotherapy, 13, 1-13.
  • Dempster, T., & Vernon, D. (2009). Identifying indices of learning for alpha neurofeedback training. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 34, 309-318.
  • Vernon, D., & Lloyd-Jones, T. (2007). Effects of delay on color priming for natural objects. Psychological Reports, 100, 275-293.
  • Vernon, D. (2005). Can neurofeedback training enhance performance? An evaluation of the evidence with implications for future research. Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 30(4), 347-364.
  • Haenschel, C., Vernon, D., Dwivedi, P., Gruzelier, J., & Baldewig, T. (2005). Event related brain potential correlates of human auditory sensory memory trace information. Journal of Neuroscience, 25(45) 10494-10501.
  • Vernon, D., Haenschel, C., Dwivedi, P., & Gruzelier, J. (2005). Slow habituation of induced gamma and beta oscillations in association with unreality experiences in schizotypy. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 56(1), 15-24.
  • Vernon, D., Frick, A., & Gruzelier, J. (2004). Neurofeedback as a treatment for ADHD: A methodological review with implications for future research. Journal of Neurotherapy. 8(2), 53-82.
  • Vernon, D., & Usher, M. (2003). The dynamics of the feeling of knowing: Pre and post retrieval mechanisms. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory and Cognition. 29(3), 339-346.
  • Vernon, D., Egner, T., Cooper, N., Compton, T., Neilands, C., Sheri, A., & Gruzelier, J. (2003). The effect of training distinct neurofeedback protocols on aspects of cognitive performance. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 47, 75-85.
  • Vernon, D. & Lloyd-Jones, T. J. (2003). The role of colour in implicit and explicit memory performance. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 56A, 779-802.
  • Lloyd-Jones, T. J. & Vernon, D. (2003). Semantic interference from visual object recognition on visual imagery. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory and Cognition, 29, 563-580.
Conference presentations
  • Vernon, D. (2011). Background, rationale and methodology of alpha neurofeedback training. 2nd International Congress for Neurobiology, Psychopharmacology & Treatment Guidance, Thessaloniki, Greece, November 24th – 27th.
  • Bazanova, O., Alexeeva, M., Sapina, E., Muravleva, K., Andersen, S., & Vernon, D. (2011). The effect alpha electroencephalographic biofeedback on cognition and heart rate variability. 2nd International Congress for Neurobiology, Psychopharmacology & Treatment Guidance, Thessaloniki, Greece, November 24th – 27th.
  • Hald, L., Hocking, I., Marshall, J., Vernon, D., & Garnham, J. (2011). Modality switching and negation: ERP evidence. Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radbound University Nijmegen, August 25th.
  • Van Boxtel, G.J.M., Denissen, A., Jager, M., Vernon, D., Dekker, M.K.J., Mihajlovic, V., & Sitskoorn, M.M. (2011). Alpha activity training using a novel system enhances relaxation and cognition. The Society of Applied Neuroscience, Thessaloniki, Greece, May 5th – 8th.
  • Kratchmer, A., Andersen, S.B., van Hooff, J.C., Vernon, D., & Zeman, P.M. (2011). Neurofeedback assisted foreign language learning. MIND-Lab, University of Aarhus, Denmark, January 19th.
  • Dempster, T., & Vernon, D. (2008). The effects of distinct training schedules on participants ability to alter alpha activity via neurofeedback: a preliminary study. The Society of Applied Neuroscience, Seville, Spain, May 7th -11th.
  • Vernon, D. (2006). Neurofeedback and enhanced performance: The plethora and the paucity. The Society of Applied Neuroscience, Swansea University, Wales, Sept 16th - 19th.
  • Vernon, D., & Withycombe, E. (2006). The use of alpha neurofeedback training to enhance mental rotation performance. The Society of Applied Neuroscience, Swansea University, Wales, Sept 16th - 19th.
  • Vernon, D. (2005). Electric Neuronal Oscillations and Cognition (ENOC). COST WG27, Turkey, Istanbul, Sept 3rd- 4th.
  • Vernon, D, Ahmed, F., & Gruzelier, J. (2004). The effect of low-beta neurofeedback training on cognitive performance: A null result. The International Society for Neuronal Regulation, Switzerland, Winterthur, Feb 24th - 28th.
  • Vernon, D., Egner, T., Cooper, N., Compton, T., Neilands, C., Sheri, A., & Gruzelier, J. (2003). The effect of distinct neurofeedback training protocols on working memory, mental rotation and attention. The International Society for Neuronal Regulation, Italy, Udine, Feb 19th - 23rd.
  • Cooper, N., Sheri, A., Vernon, D., Egner, T., Compton, T., Neilands, C., & Gruzelier, J. (2002). The effect of Alpha neurofeedback training on mental imagery abilities. The British Psychophysical Society, University of Glasgow, Sept 22nd - 25th.
  • Vernon, D., Egner, T., Cooper, N., Compton, T., Neilands, C., Sheri, A., & Gruzelier, J. (2002). The influence of SMR and Theta neurofeedback training on working memory performance. The British Psychophysical Society, University of Glasgow, Sept 22nd - 25th.
  • Haenschel, C., Vernon, D., Dwivedi, P., Baldweg, T. (2002). Gamma and beta oscillations during passive and active auditory change detection. The British Psychophysical Society, University of Glasgow, Sept 22nd - 25th.
  • Vernon, D., Cooper, N., Egner, T., Compton, T., Neilands, C., Sheri, A., & Gruzelier, J. (2002). A comparison of Theta, Alpha and SMR neurofeedback protocols and their effect on cognitive performance. The British Psychological Society, Cognitive Section, University of Kent, Sept 9th - 11th.
  • Lloyd-Jones, T.J., Albon, A., & Vernon, D. (2002). Examining hemisphere differences in semantic interference from visual object recognition on visual image generation in a feature detection task. The British Psychological Society, Cognitive Section, University of Kent, Sept 9th - 11th.
  • Gruzelier, J., Vernon, D., Haenschel, C., & Dwivedi, P. (2002). Cortical habituation of schizotypal individuals: A differential pattern for unreality subtypes. International Journal of Psychophysiology. V45, p.79.
  • Lloyd-Jones, T. J., & Vernon, D. (2002). Interference from object recognition on the generation of mental images of semantically related objects. Experimental Psychology Society, London, Jan.
  • Vernon, D., & Lloyd-Jones, T. J. (2001). Flexibility in the retrieval of colour information in tests of implicit and explicit memory for diagnostically coloured natural objects. International Conference on Memory (ICOM-3), Valencia, July.
  • Vernon, D., & Lloyd-Jones, T. J. (1999). Implicit and explicit tests of memory for natural objects. In A. Vandierendonck, M. Brysbaert, & K. Van der Goten (Eds.) Proceedings of the Eleventh Conference of the European Society for Cognitive Psychology, Belguim, Sept.
  • Vernon, D., & Lloyd-Jones, T. J. (1999). Effects of colour on tests of implicit and explicit memory for natural objects. British Psychological Society, Cognitive Section, York, Sept.
  • Vernon, D., & Lloyd-Jones, T. J. (1999). Manipulations of colour and delay on implicit and explicit tests of memory for natural objects. British Psychological Society, Cognitive Section, Lancaster, July.
Invited talks
  • Vernon, D. (2011). Using neurofeedback to enhance performance. Invited speaker at the School of Social and Behavioural Sciences. University of Leiden, the Netherlands.
  • Vernon, D. (2010). Refining the methodology of EEG biofeedback training. Invited speaker at the Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Wivenhoe, UK.
  • Vernon, D. (2010). Using EEG biofeedback to alter mood and cognition. Invited speaker at the Welsh Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Swansea University, Wales.
  • Vernon, D. (2010). Refining the methodology of EEG biofeedback training. Invited speaker at the Welsh Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Swansea University, Wales.
  • Vernon, D. (2009). Neurofeedback as a mechanism to enhance the performance of healthy participants. Invited speaker at Philips High Tech Campus, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
  • Vernon, D. (2005). An examination of neurofeedback and its effect on cognition. Invited speaker at the Cognitive Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems colloquium series, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.
Grants  
  • Society for Psychical Research Small Grants (2011)

A grant for £1000 exploring: Precognition using a standard implicit memory priming task.

  • CCCU Faculty Research Grant (2011)

A 12 month grant for £987.81 exploring: The relationship between verbal working memory and individual brainwave alpha frequency. In collaboration with Dr I. Hocking (CCCU).

  • CCCU Faculty Research Grant (2009)

A 12 month grant for £985.58 exploring: The cortical entrainment effects of voice frequency and its implications for understanding. In collaboration with Dr L. Hald (CCCU).

  • Bial Research Grant 45/08 (2008) – Principle Investigator

Research grant for €45,000 exploring: Attempts to refine the methodology of alpha neurofeedback training: In collaboration with Dr S. Andersen (Swansea); Dr N. Rutterford (Anglia Ruskin/University of East Anglia); Dr O. Bazanova (Novosibirsk, Russian Federation); Dr M. Pasqualini (Kansas City, USA).

  • CCCU Faculty Research Grant (2007)

A 12 month grant of £1,000 exploring: Distinct reinforcement contingencies of brain-computer interface training (BCIT) and their effect on cognition.

  • Imperial College Faculty Research Grant (2003)

A small grant of £850 to facilitate a project examining: The effect of sensori-motor rhythm enhancement and its effect on memory.