Reality Bending Lab

Exploring the neuropsychology of reality and its distortions.

We’re a vibrant team led by Dominique Makowski at the University of Sussex in Brighton, UK. We research reality perception, fake news, illusions, fiction, deception, self-control and more, by recording signals from the body (ECG, EDA…) and the brain (EEG). We analyse data using advanced computational modelling (Bayesian stats, chaos theory, mixed models…), and we also develop open-source tools and software to improve neuropsychological science.

**Re**ality **Be**nding **L**ab

"Do not try to bend the spoon; that's impossible.

Instead, only try to realize the truth...

There is no spoon.

Then you'll see that it is not the spoon that bends, it is only yourself."

Research Themes

What are the mechanisms by which our belief and feeling of reality can be altered?

How cognitive abilities unfold into personality traits and metastable neuropsychological profiles?

What is the history of psychology and neuropsychiatry? What are the methods and tools of tomorrow?

The University of Sussex, besides being located in Brighton, the most vibrant and sunniest city in the UK, is also home to one of the strongest and largest psychology department in the country. It is famous for its research on embodied consciousness, with scientists like Anil Seth, Andy Clark, Zoltan Dienes and Hugo Critchley, its teaching of cutting-edge psychological methods (with stats rockstar Andy Field), its history of multidisciplinary research (arts and science), and its radical engagement in open and disruptive science. Join this amazing community now!

The REBEL Team

We pride ourselves with having a vibrant lab life with many students and collaborators a variety of backgrounds and levels, with regular informal events and chats. Consider joining our fantastic team!

Meet all the brilliant REBEL minds →

Principal Investigator

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Dominique Makowski

Lecturer in Psychology

PhD Students

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Ana Neves

Interoception and the Sense of Reality
University of Sussex

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Catriona Osborn Moar

Complexity
University of Sussex

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Rob Dickinson

Misinformation
University of Sussex

Research Assistants

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Ben Tribe

Research Assistant
University of Sussex

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Emma Benn

Placement Student
University of Sussex

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Karla Wall

Research Assistant
University of Sussex

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Maisie Bennett

Placement Student
University of Sussex

Consultants

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Aang

Fully Realized Avatar

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Dr Strange

Sorcerer Supreme

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Gandalf

Wizard

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Mr Anderson

The One

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Yoda

Jedi Master

Publications

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