Centre for Applied Psychological Science

Organisation profile

The Centre for Applied Psychological Science (CAPS) specialises in applied psychological research that contributes to knowledge in the academic community as well being relevant to the public, relevant practitioners, policymakers and the wider community.  CAPS aims to bridge the gap between theoretical research and applied practice by providing evidence-based solutions to real-world problems.

CAPS adopts an interdisciplinary approach by providing psychological knowledge and perspective through collaboration with other Schools at Teesside University, and various other industry partners, local authorities and third sector organisations.  

The work of the research centre is embedded within our teaching programmes and the University's grand challenge themes, for example, health and wellbeing and secure societies. Research is organised around four themes in which members of CAPS have achieved national and international prominence:

• Health and Well-Being
• Vulnerable Victims and Offenders in the Criminal Justice System
• Pain and Long-Term Conditions
• Cognition and Decision-Making

These themes are underpinned by our strong methodological expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods, intervention development, systematic reviewing, service evaluation, co-production and embedded research.

Funding

Our research has been and is supported by many funding agencies, including the British Academy, National Institute for Health Research, Public Health England, Economic and Social Research Council, Horizon 2020, Innovate UK, the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and local government.

We have collaborative bonds with colleagues from several European Union countries (e.g., Denmark, The Netherlands) and also from many other countries, such as Australia, Canada and Malaysia. Other successful collaborations include research with Oxford University, Durham University, University of Manchester, Northumbria University, University of Leicester and, City University.

Members of CAPS publish in prestigious outlets, including Nature Human Behaviour, BMC Medical Research Methodology, PLOS One, British Journal of Social Psychology and Journal of Experimental Psychology.

Postgraduate Students and Early Career Researchers

We are strongly committed to enhancing the participation of postgraduate students and early-career researchers in the life of the Centre, and to engaging with the graduate community. We have an Early Career Researchers Network that has a monthly research development programme. All Masters and doctoral students are encouraged to participate as colleagues in CAPS, particularly the Research Seminar Series where we focus on postgraduate work in progress.

Impact

Our research has had social and societal impact. For example, we have worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service, to provide evidence and advice to support the publication of legal guidance on the use of community impact statements in hate crime cases. Our research on communication with vulnerable people in the criminal justice system has led to changes in the policy and practice of those working with vulnerable people, including the Police and Registered Intermediaries. We have conducted training workshops in the use of the Integrative Model of Adjustment to Chronic Conditions, a model that is now used by health practitioners working with patients with long-term conditions. Our work on the effect of animal abuse on human well-being has led to animal abuse reporting systems in Ukraine being enhanced regarding child/family protection to social-service departments.