Tom Stafford is professor of cognitive science at the University of Sheffield. His work applies insights from neuroscience, experimental design and data science to the topics decision-making, reasoning and bias. He is also senior research fellow at the Research on Research Institute, where he works with research funders to develop experiments that test improvements in the research funding system. Learn more.
Tom Stafford
Professor of cognitive science
University of Sheffield
From this contributor
Selected articles
- “Quantifying the benefits of using decision models with response time and accuracy data” | Behavior Research Methods
- “The experimental research funder’s handbook” | Research on Research Institute
- “The ideological Turing test: A behavioral measure of open-mindedness and perspective-taking” | Cognitive Science
Explore more from The Transmitter
Some facial expressions are less reflexive than previously thought
A countenance such as a grimace activates many of the same cortical pathways as voluntary facial movements.
Some facial expressions are less reflexive than previously thought
A countenance such as a grimace activates many of the same cortical pathways as voluntary facial movements.
By
Natalia Mesa
8 January 2026 | 5 min read
Cracking the neural code for emotional states
Rather than act as a simple switchboard for innate behaviors, the hypothalamus encodes an animal's internal state, which influences behavior.
Cracking the neural code for emotional states
Rather than act as a simple switchboard for innate behaviors, the hypothalamus encodes an animal's internal state, which influences behavior.
By
Natalia Mesa
8 January 2026 | 8 min read
Alex Maier argues that a scientific explanation of consciousness requires grounding in formalized mathematics
When it comes to discovering laws of nature for consciousness similar to those in physics, Maier argues that integrated information theory is the only game in town.
Alex Maier argues that a scientific explanation of consciousness requires grounding in formalized mathematics
When it comes to discovering laws of nature for consciousness similar to those in physics, Maier argues that integrated information theory is the only game in town.
By
Paul Middlebrooks
7 January 2026 | 1 min read