Professor Kevin Paterson

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Psychology and Vision Sciences, University of Leicester

Scientific Background

Research Interests

My research uses high precision measures of eye movements to understand the cognitive processes that enable people read and understand text. I have studied this topic across the lifespan, examining children's reading development, skilled adult reading, and the impact of cognitive ageing on reading.

My most recent research has used simultaneous recording of eye movements and EGG to understand the neural basis of cognitive ageing effects in reading.

I have also worked collaboratively on eye movement research on cognitive processes in reading across different writing systems including Arabic, Chinese, English and Mongolian.

My research has benefited from funding from UK research councils (BBSRC, ESRC), The British Academy, The Alzheimer’s Society, The Leverhulme Trust, and The Ulverscroft Foundation.

Research group projects

An ESRC-funded project led by Sarah White is concerned with revealing the implications of reading strategy for reading behaviour and comprehension: ESRC Reading Goals Project

An ESRC-funded project with Ascen Pagan and in collaboration with Simon Liversedge (University of Central Lancashire) and Federica Degno (University of Southampton) is pioneering new methods for investigating the neural correlates of effects of cognitive ageing in natural reading: ESRC Ageing and Reading Project
An ESRC Catalyst grant with Sarah Gunn (PI) and John Maltby focused on methods of assessing healthy cognitive ageing.
A project funded by the Leverhulme Trust, with Ruth Filik (University of Nottingham) is examining ageing effects on reading comprehension.

Research Groups

Vision Sciences Research Group

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Supportive, goal-driven, and student-centred.

Provision of Training

We will tailor the training to your specific needs. Our aim will be to equip you with the skills required to develop as an independent researcher. This will include learning skills in experimental design and analysis, learning how to operate eye-tracking and EEG systems to conduct co-registration experiments, and training in data-handling and the use of leading-edge statistical methods. We’ll also coach you in presenting your work effectively at workshop and conferences.

Progression Monitoring and Management

We would meet at least once a fortnight to discuss ideas and progress, and work together to set goals.

Communication

My door is always open to discuss problems or research ideas. Our group also has frequent team meetings, online and in person, where you can discuss ideas and gain feedback and support.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per fortnight

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per month

The meetings will be a mixture of face to face, video chat or telephone and I am usually contactable for an instant response (if required) on every working day.

Working Pattern

Work in my lab requires being present on site during core hours, depending on when participants are available to take part in experiments.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Current Projects (2025-26)

Primary supervisor for:

Effects of Cognitive Aging on Language Use and Comprehension: Gaining Insights from Eye-Tracking and EEG

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Effects of Cognitive Aging on Language Use and Comprehension: Gaining Insights from Eye-Tracking and EEG

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Ascen Pagan

University of Registration: University of Leicester

BBSRC Research Themes: Understanding the Rules of Life (Neuroscience and Behaviour)

Project Outline

This project is concerned with how healthy aging affects visual and cognitive capabilities, particularly in the context of reading. As people age, they can experience a decline in these skills, which are crucial for everyday tasks like reading, navigation, and locating objects. While previous behavioural studies have shed light on how these capabilities change across the adult lifespan, there is much to learn about the neural basis of these changes. Understanding the neural mechanisms is key to gaining a deeper insight into how normal aging influences brain function.

The primary focus of the research will be to explore how aging impacts reading. The project will employ novel methods for simultaneously recording eye movements and EEG to study both the behavioural and neural aspects of aging effects on reading. By synchronising these two methods in real-time, the project aims to provide new insights into the cognitive changes that naturally accompany aging. The research will be conducted at the School of Psychology & Vision Sciences at the University of Leicester, which is equipped with state-of-the-art EEG systems and eye-tracking technology. Our research group is at the forefront of using these techniques to investigate how aging affects reading.

The PhD student will have the opportunity to focus on one of the following research areas:

Aging and Language Processing: Exploring how aging influences aspects of language processing, including word recognition, sentence comprehension, and meaning interpretation during reading.

Cognitive Benefits of Second Language Learning: Investigating whether learning a second language can help delay cognitive decline and enhance cognitive resilience.

Working Memory and Vocabulary Acquisition: Analysing the role of working memory in vocabulary learning among older adults.

The student will receive thorough training in experimental design, eye-tracking, and EEG techniques, including methods for combining these technologies. They will also learn advanced statistical analysis techniques, including linear mixed-effects modelling and Bayesian analysis techniques, using the R programming language. The supervisory team has a strong track record of international collaborations and publications. The student will be supported in presenting their research at national and international conferences, collaborating with other research labs, and publishing in top cognitive neuroscience journals.

Techniques

Techniques that will be undertaken during the project:

High-precision eye movement recording.
Electro-encephalography.
Co-registration of eye movements and EEG.
Linear mixed-effect modelling in the R programming environment.

References

Degno, F., Loberg, O., Zang, C., Zhang, M., Donnelly, N., & Liversedge, S. P. (2019). Parafoveal previews and lexical frequency in natural reading: evidence from eye movements and fixation-related potentials. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 148, 453-474.

Henderson, J. M., Luke, S. G., Schmidt, J., & Richards, J. E. (2013). Co-registration of eye movements and event-related potentials in connected-text paragraph reading. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience, 7, 28.

Previous Projects (2024-25)

Primary supervisor for:

Using measures of eye movements and EEG to understand effects of cognitive ageing on reading

Previous Projects (2023-24)

Primary supervisor for:

Understanding the neural basis of ageing effects on word recognition during reading