Mr Alex Lloyd

My research examines why adolescents are more likely than adults to explore novel and potentially risky scenarios. Specifically, I examine whether adolescents use information from novel environments with ambiguous properties to guide future decisions. I also examine how social, individual differences and developmental factors interact with conditions of ambiguity to increase the risk for negative outcomes in this population. I utilise a range of research methodologies to examine this topic, including: behavioural tasks, computational modelling and fMRI. 

I teach seminars on PS1010, a first year research methods module and deliver two lectures on affective neuroscience for the MSc module 'Neuroscience of emotion and decision making'. I am also an Associate Lecturer at Birkbeck, University of London, where I teach the first year module: 'Research Methods for Psychology (Introduction)'.

I studied BSc Psychology and Philosophy at the University of Hertfordshire (2011-2014). Following this, I completed a Psychology MSc at the University of Westminster (2016-2017). 

I have a number of roles related to my research interests which I currently uphold alongside my PhD studentship. I am a trustee for two youth work charities: Dragon Hall Trust and Peer Power. In addition, I am a member of the Voice of Young Science network, an organisation committed to ensuring transparency and scientific rigour in public debates about science. 

I volunteer as a Community Panel Member for Hackney and Islington Youth Offending Services, supporting young people involved in the criminal justice system to complete their community sentences. I previously served as an Editor for the PsyPAG Quarterly, an open-access journal for psychology postgraduates across the country.