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Research Profile

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  3. Lucy Atkinson

  • Cognitive Processes in Second Language Learning: Attention, Awareness and Working Memory

    Lucy’s main research interests lie in the areas of cognitive psychology, second language acquisition (SLA) and second language instruction. In particular, she researches the role of input enhancement methods for learning and teaching.

    Lucy is also interested in the cognitive processes underlying second language learning of grammar forms. Her research project investigates the cognitive processes involved in second language learning in relation to noticing.

    The project features four experiments which revisits the questions of whether Input Enhancement really is more salient and can lead to better learning. Much of the prior research has seen mixed results which had led to an un-generalizable population of results which we cannot be fully confident with. Inclusions of cognitive psychological concepts have been included in Experiment 2 and the latter studies will be using eye-tracking software and the inclusion of an artificial grammar to investigate this input method.


  • Chris Roe

    Professor of Psychology

  • Within my PhD programme, I have engaged in conferences (poster and presentation) to further extend my network and to also share findings of my current experiments.

    Some of the conferences attended are:

    • IATEFL yearly conferences
    • Lancaster Postgraduate Conference in Linguistics and Language Teaching
    • University of Northampton, Faculty of Education and Humanities Annual Conference
    • University of Northampton, Institute for Learning and Teaching Conference
    • ShefLing Postgraduate Conference, The University of Sheffield
    • Annual Graduate School Poster Competition
    • British Association of Applied Linguistics (BAAL) at Aston University

  • Lucy Atkinson is a third-year postgraduate researcher at the University of Northampton in Cognitive Psychology. Her main research interests are cognitive psychology, second language acquisition, working memory and EFL/TEFL. Lucy holds a Masters in Applied Linguistics (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology in Education from Lancaster University. She also engages with Pre-sessional Academic English lecturing and Academic English workshops. Lucy has experience of teaching English in South China before enrolling on her PhD.