Jessica’s general research interest is in cognitive neuroscience in psychology. The main objective of her work is to develop a theoretical and experimental framework for the study of the neural signatures of human decision making, especially in the context of perceptual learning and cognitive development. In particular, she uses the theoretical framework of sequential sampling models and the experimental paradigm of measuring temporal EEG components. This approach can provide an effective and comprehensive means to address open questions with respect to human perceptual and cognition over the lifespan, including:
- What are the neural signatures of the role of prior expectations in perceptual learning in decision-making?
- How does the human brain develop mathematical abilities and what is its neural basis, and whether the Approximate Number System (ANS) is one of the cognitive basis of numerical ability?
- How does multisensory integration change over the lifespan? How do the temporal dynamics of perceptual learning and decision-making change from childhood to adulthood?
Training advisor to Ph.D. students Joshua Bolam, Shaikha Sultan on EEG experimentation and data analysis. The University of Leeds
Articles
Diaz, J. A., Delis, I. & Philiastides, M. (submitted) Prior probability biases the drift rate, not the starting point, of evidence accumulation in perceptual decision making.
Diaz, J. A., Andrews, M., & Delis, I. (in preparation) The Approximate Number System: A Drift Diffusion Model Analysis.
Diaz, J. A. (2018) The Neural Correlates of the Influence of Learning on Perceptual Decision Making. PhD Thesis. University of Glasgow.
Diaz, J. A. & Queirazza, F. & Philiastides, M. (2017) Perceptual learning alters post-sensory processing in human decision-making Nature Human Behaviour, 1, 0035.
This paper was given an editorial introduction in the same edition of Nature Human Behaviour by Sasaki, Watanabe: When perceptual learning occurs.
Book Chapter
2016 Philiastides, M. & Diaz, J. A. & Gherman, S. (2016). Spatiotemporal Characteristics and
Modulators or Perceptual Decision-Making in the Human Brain in Dreher, J., &Tremblay, L., (eds) Decision Neuroscience: An Integrative Perspective.
Books
2014 Diaz, J. collaborating author on Melendro, M. (2014). Estrategias eficaces de Intervencion socioeducativa con adolescentes en riesgo de exclusion.13 UNED Press. This book was based on studies using qualitative data analysis.
2007 Diaz, J. collaborating author on Melendro, M. (2007). Estrategias educativas con adolescents y jóvenes en dificultad social.14 UNED Press. This book was based on studies using qualitative data analysis.
