Interim Dean for College of Human Sciences

School of Psychology

Adeilad Brigantia

Penrallt Road

Gwynedd LL57 2AS

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 1248 388340

Email: j.parkinson@bangor.ac.uk

John's research focuses on the interface between cognition and motivation. He is interested in how motivational signals are generated, how they interact with ongoing cognitive processes and how this affects behaviour. His research interests include: the influence of motivational states on cognitive processes such as attention, memory and decision-making; the effect of positive emotional states (such as happiness and flow) on cognition; the role and nature of stimulus-induced behaviours (including motivational arousal and craving in addictive behaviours); the use of fMRI to explore neural mechanisms of motivation.

Professor John Parkinson is a member of the Clinical, Health, & Behavioural Psychology and Social Neuroscience research groups.

John is also currently the Director of the Wales Centre for Behaviour Change. 

Self-funded (inc. agency-funded) projects

Behaviour change and motivation - understanding what behaviour change techniques work in specific sitatuations (e.g. sustainability).

Pavlovian to Instrumental transfer - the way in which envirnomental stimuli impact instriumental behaviours.

Competitive scholarship opportunities available

None.

2021

• Published'Just not knowing' can make life sweeter (and saltier): Reward uncertainty alters the sensory experience and consumption of palatable food and drinks
  Rauwolf, P., Mallard, S., Wong, N., Witt, A., Davies, T., Cahill, A., Madden, G. J., Parkinson, J. & Rogers, R., Oct 2021, In: Journal of Experimental Psychology: General. 150, 10, p. 2015-2035
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2019

• PublishedUnderstanding how and why de-implementation works in health and care: research protocol for a realist synthesis of evidence
  Burton, C., Williams, L., Bucknall, T., Edwards, S., Fisher, D., Hall, B., Harris, G., Jones, P., Makin, M., McBride, A., Meacock, R., Parkinson, J., Rycroft-Malone, J. & Waring, J., 5 Aug 2019, In: Systematic Reviews. 8, 1, 194.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2018

• PublishedHappy thoughts: Enhancing well-being in the classroom with a positive events diary
  Carter, P., Hore, B., McGarrigle, L., Edwards, M., Doeg, G., Oakes, R., Campion, A., Carey, G., Vickers, K. & Parkinson, J., Feb 2018, In: Journal of Positive Psychology. 13, 2, p. 110-121
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2017

• PublishedEfficacy of the attention control program on reducing attentional bias in obese and overweight dieters
  Bazzaz, M. M., Salehi Fadardi, J. & Parkinson, J., 1 Jan 2017, In: Appetite. 108, p. 1-11
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2016

• PublishedIncreasing high school students’ maths skills with the use of SAFMEDS class-wide
  Hunter, S., Beverley, M., Parkinson, J. & Hughes, J. C., 2016, In: European Journal of Behavior Analysis. 17, 2, p. 154-165 12 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2015

• PublishedBrands and Inhibition: A Go/No-Go Task Reveals the Power of Brand Influence
  Parkinson, J. A., Intriligator, J. M., Peatfield, N., Caulfield, J., Parkinson, J. & Intriligator, J., 6 Nov 2015, In: PLoS ONE. 10, 11, p. Article Number: e0141787
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedOn the origin of risk sensitivity: the energy budget rule revisited
  Lim, I. S., Wittek, P. & Parkinson, J. A., 1 Dec 2015, In: Animal Behaviour. 110, p. 69-77
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2014

• PublishedEffects of motives on reactions to safe sun messages
  Aspden, T., Ingledew, D. K. & Parkinson, J. A., 22 Jul 2014, In: Psychology, Health and Medicine. 20, 3, p. 274-286
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedPositive impact by design: The Wales Centre for Behaviour Change
  Goodman, A. M., Parkinson, J. A., Eccles, K. E. & Goodman, A., 11 Jul 2014, In: Journal of Positive Psychology. 9, 6, p. 517-522
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedSAFMEDS cards for effective STEM learning
  Hunter, S. H., Parkinson, J. A., Beverley, M., Hunter, S., Hughes, J. C. & Parkinson, J., 1 May 2014.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

2013

• PublishedNudging through Technology: Choice Architectures and the Mobile Information Revolution
  Goodman, A. M., Thomas, A. M., Parkinson, J. A., Moore, P., Goodman, A., Xhafa, F. & Barolli, L., 23 Oct 2013, p. 255-261.
  Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

2012

• PublishedEmotion-Based Learning is Biased by Brand Logos
  Parkinson, J. A., Intriligator, J. M., Peatfield, N. A., Peatfield, N., Parkinson, J. & Intriligator, J., 1 Sep 2012, In: Applied Cognitive Psychology. 26, 5, p. 694-701
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedMotives and health-related behaviour: Incremental prediction by implicit motives
  Aspden, T., Ingledew, D. K. & Parkinson, J. A., 1 Jan 2012, In: Psychology and Health. 27, 1, p. 51-71
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedNucleus accumbens response to food cues predicts subsequent snack consumption in women and increased body mass index in those with reduced self-control
  Lawrence, N. S., Hinton, E. C., Parkinson, J. A. & Lawrence, A. D., 15 Oct 2012, In: Neuroimage. 63, 1, p. 415-422
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedQuick as a BLINK: An ultrarapid analogue of Iowa Gambling Task decision making
  Intriligator, J. M., Parkinson, J. A., Peatfield, N., Turnbull, O. H., Parkinson, J. & Intriligator, J., 1 Mar 2012, In: Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology. 34, 3, p. 243-255
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2011

• PublishedAppetitive motivational deficits in individuals with Parkinson's Disease
  Parkinson, J. A., Shore, D. M., Rafal, R. D. & Parkinson, J., 15 Aug 2011, In: Movement disorders. 26, 10, p. 1887-1892
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2010

• PublishedEffects of central cue reliabilities on discrimination accuracy and detection speed
  D-Avossa, G. G., Close, A., D'Avossa, G., Sapir, A. & Parkinson, J. A., 2 Aug 2010, In: Journal of Vision. 10, 7
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedExcessive appetitive arousal in Prader-Willi syndrome.
  Hinton, E. C., Isles, A. R., Williams, N. M. & Parkinson, J. A., 1 Feb 2010, In: Appetite. 54, 1, p. 225-228
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedMotives and health-related behaviours: An investigation of equipotentiality and equifinality.
  Aspden, T., Ingledew, D. K. & Parkinson, J. A., 1 Apr 2010, In: Journal of Health Psychology. 15, 3, p. 467-479
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedNeural correlates of affective influence on choice.
  Parkinson, C., Piech, R. M., Lewis, J., Parkinson, C. H., Owen, A. M., Roberts, A. C., Downing, P. E. & Parkinson, J. A., 1 Mar 2010, In: Brain and Cognition. 72, 2, p. 282-288
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2009

• PublishedDevelopment and characterisation of tempered cocoa butter emulsions containing up to 60% water
  Norton, J. E., Fryer, P. J., Parkinson, J. A. & Cox, P. W., 1 Nov 2009, In: Journal of Food Engineering. 95, 1, p. 172-178
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedModulation of cognitive flexibility by hunger and desire.
  Piech, R. M., Hampshire, A., Owen, A. M. & Parkinson, J. A., 1 Apr 2009, In: Cognition and Emotion. 23, 3, p. 528-540
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedNeural Correlates of Appetite and Hunger-Related Evaluative Judgments.
  Parkinson, C., Piech, R. M., Lewis, J., Parkinson, C. H., Owen, A. M., Roberts, A. C., Downing, P. E. & Parkinson, J. A., 12 Aug 2009, In: PLoS ONE. 4, 8, p. e6581
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedPreference judgements involve a network of structures within frontal, cingulate and insula cortices.
  Chaudhry, A. M., Parkinson, J. A., Hinton, E. C., Owen, A. M. & Roberts, A. C., 1 Mar 2009, In: European Journal of Neuroscience. 29, 5, p. 1047-1055
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe role of the basal ganglia in learning and memory: Neuropsychological studies.
  Grahn, J. A., Parkinson, J. A. & Owen, A. M., 12 Apr 2009, In: Behavioural Brain Research. 199, 1, p. 53-60
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2008

• PublishedPositive emotions and reward: appetitive systems: amygdala and striatum.
  Parkinson, J. A. & Squire, L. B. (ed.), 1 Jan 2008, New Encyclopedia of Neuroscience (4th Edition). 2008 ed. Elsevier
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
• PublishedThe cognitive functions of the caudate nucleus.
  Grahn, J. A., Parkinson, J. A. & Owen, A. M., 1 Nov 2008, In: Progress in Neurobiology. 86, 3, p. 141-155
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2006

• PublishedA componential analysis of the functions of primate orbitofrontal cortex.
  Roberts, A. C., Parkinson, J. A., Zald, D. (ed.) & Rauch, S. (ed.), 1 Jan 2006, The Orbitofrontal Cortex. 2006 ed. Oxford University Press, p. 237-264
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter

2005

• PublishedAcquisition of instrumental conditioned reinforcement is resistant to the devaluation of the unconditioned stimulus.
  Parkinson, J. A., Roberts, A. C., Everitt, B. J. & Di Ciano, P., 1 Jan 2005, In: Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology Section B: Comparative and Physiological Psychology. 58, 1, p. 19-30
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedAutonomic arousal in an appetitive context in primates: a behavioural and neural analysis.
  Braesicke, K., Parkinson, J. A., Reekie, Y., Man, M. S., Hopewell, L., Pears, A., Crofts, H., Schnell, C. R. & Roberts, A. C., 1 Mar 2005, In: European Journal of Neuroscience. 21, 6, p. 1733-1740
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2004

• PublishedNeural contributions to the motivational control of appetite in humans
  Hinton, E. C., Parkinson, J. A., Holland, A. J., Arana, F. S., Roberts, A. C. & Owen, A. M., 1 Sep 2004, In: European Journal of Neuroscience. 20, 5, p. 1411-1418
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2003

• PublishedAppetitive behavior: impact of amygdala-dependent mechanisms of emotional learning
  Everitt, B. J., Parkinson, J. A., Cardinal, R. N. & Robbins, T. W., 1 Jan 2003, In: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 985, p. 233-250
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedDissociable contributions of the human amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex to incentive motivation and goal selection.
  Arana, F. S., Parkinson, J. A., Hinton, E., Holland, A. J., Owen, A. M. & Roberts, A. C., 22 Oct 2003, In: Journal of Neuroscience. 23, 29, p. 9632-9638
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedLesions of the orbitofrontal but not medial prefrontal cortex disrupt conditioned reinforcement in primates.
  Pears, A., Parkinson, J. A., Hopewell, L., Everitt, B. J. & Roberts, A. C., 3 Dec 2003, In: Journal of Neuroscience. 23, 35, p. 11189-11201
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedRole of the anterior cingulate cortex in the control over behaviour by Pavlovian conditioned stimuli in rats
  Cardinal, R. N., Parkinson, J. A., Djafari Marbini, H., Toner, A. J., Bussey, T. J., Robbins, T. W. & Everitt, B. J., 1 Jan 2003, In: Behavioral Neuroscience. 117, 3, p. 566-587
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2002

• PublishedEffects of selective excitotoxic lesions of the nucleus accumbens core, anterior cingulate cortex, and central nucleus of the amygdala on autoshaping performance in rats
  Cardinal, R. N., Parkinson, J. A., Lachenal, G., Halkerston, K. M., Rudarakanchana, N., Hall, J., Parkinson, C. H., Howes, S. R., Robbins, T. W. & Everitt, B. J., 1 Jan 2002, In: Behavioral Neuroscience. 116, 4, p. 553-567
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedEmotion and motivation: The role of the amygdala, ventral striatum, and prefrontal cortex
  Cardinal, R. N., Parkinson, J. A., Hall, J. & Everitt, B. J., 1 Jan 2002, In: Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. 26, 3, p. 321-352
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedNucleus accumbens dopamine depletion impairs both acquisition and performance of appetitive Pavlovian approach behaviour: implications for mesoaccumbens dopamine function.
  Parkinson, J. A., Dalley, J. W., Cardinal, R. N., Bamford, A., Fehnert, B., Lachenal, G., Rudarakanchana, K., Halkerston, M., Robbins, T. W. & Everitt, B. J., 2 Dec 2002, In: Behavioural Brain Research. 137, 1-2, p. 149-163
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2001

• PublishedInvolvement of the central nucleus of the amygdala and nucleus accumbens core in mediating Pavlovian influences on instrumental behaviour.
  Hall, J., Parkinson, J. A., Connor, T. M., Dickinson, A. & Everitt, B. J., 1 May 2001, In: European Journal of Neuroscience. 13, 10, p. 1984-1992
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe effects of excitotoxic lesions of the nucleus accumbens core or shell regions on intravenous heroin self-administration in rats.
  Alderson, H. L., Parkinson, J. A., Robbins, T. W. & Everitt, B. J., 1 Feb 2001, In: Psychopharmacology. 153, 4, p. 455-463
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe effects of nucleus accumbens core and shell lesions on intravenous heroin self-administration and the acquisition of drug-seeking behaviour under a second-order schedule of heroin reinforcement.
  Hutcheson, D. M., Parkinson, J. A., Robbins, T. W. & Everitt, B. J., 1 Feb 2001, In: Psychopharmacology. 153, 4, p. 464-472
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedThe role of the primate amygdala in conditioned reinforcement.
  Parkinson, J. A., Crofts, H. S., McGuigan, M., Tomic, D. L., Everitt, B. J. & Roberts, A. C., 1 Oct 2001, In: Journal of Neuroscience. 21, 19, p. 7770-7780
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2000

• PublishedCocaine seeking by rats: regulation, reinforcement and activation.
  Olmstead, M. C., Parkinson, J. A., Miles, F. J., Everitt, B. J. & Dickinson, A., 1 Oct 2000, In: Psychopharmacology. 152, 2, p. 123-131
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedDifferential involvement of amygdala subsystems in appetitive conditioning and drug addiction.
  Everitt, B. J., Cardinal, R. N., Hall, J., Parkinson, J. A., Robbins, T. W. & Aggleton, J. P. (ed.), 1 Jan 2000, The amygdala: a functional analysis. 2000 ed. Oxford University Press, p. 353-390
  Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
• PublishedDisconnection of the anterior cingulate cortex and nucleus accumbens core impairs Pavlovian approach behavior: further evidence for limbic cortical-ventral striatopallidal systems.
  Parkinson, J. A., Willoughby, P. J., Robbins, T. W. & Everitt, B. J., 1 Feb 2000, In: Behavioral Neuroscience. 114, 1, p. 42-63
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedDissociable roles of the central and basolateral amygdala in appetitive emotional learning
  Parkinson, J. A., Robbins, T. W. & Everitt, B. J., 1 Jan 2000, In: European Journal of Neuroscience. 12, 1, p. 405-413
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedFinding motivation at Seabrook Island: the ventral striatum, learning and plasticity.
  Parkinson, J. A., Fudge, J., Hurd, Y., Pennartz, C. & Peoples, L., 1 Sep 2000, In: Trends in Neurosciences. 23, 9, p. 383-384
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
• PublishedLimbic cortico-ventral striatal systems underlying appetitive conditioning.
  Parkinson, J. A., Cardinal, R. N. & Everitt, B. J., 1 Jan 2000, In: Progress in Brain Research. 126, p. 263-285
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

1999

• PublishedAssociative processes in addiction and reward. The role of amygdala-ventral striatal subsystems
  Everitt, B. J., Parkinson, J. A., Olmstead, M. C., Arroyo, M., Robledo, P. & Robbins, T. W., 29 Jun 1999, In: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 877, p. 412-38 27 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
• PublishedDissociation in effects of lesions of the nucleus accumbens core and shell on appetitive pavlovian approach behavior and the potentiation of conditioned reinforcement and locomotor activity by D-amphetamine
  Parkinson, J. A., Olmstead, M. C., Burns, L. H., Robbins, T. W. & Everitt, B. J., 15 Mar 1999, In: Journal of Neuroscience. 19, 6, p. 2401-11 11 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

1994

• PublishedThe failure of context shifts to alter the recognition of faces: implications for contextual deficits in amnesia
  Aggleton, J. P. & Parkinson, J. A., Jun 1994, In: Cortex. 30, 2, p. 351-4 4 p.
  Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

• Building capability in using behavioural science for better health

  01/12/2022 – 15/05/2023 (Active)

• Behavioural Science Unit development - Applying behavioural science to improve health and well-being in Wales

  01/11/2021 – 01/08/2022 (Finished)

• Childhood Immunisation Insight Project Proposal

  01/10/2021 – 15/05/2022 (Finished)

• Healthy and Sustainable Pre Schools Evaluation Support

  01/12/2019 – 31/05/2020 (Finished)

• Mental health provision in South Asia

  01/02/2018 – 30/08/2020 (Finished)

  Description

  MhiSA is a three year project promoting science and research partnerships in the area of mental health between the countries of South Asia and the UK, underpinned by a collaboratively-developed strategy.

  The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified mental health as a global priority (WHO, 2016) and has a Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 that identifies both effective leadership, enhanced information systems and research for mental health as key objectives. Low and middle-income countries (LAMIC) often struggle to provide adequate mental health services. The countries in the British Council’s South Asia region which includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka have all been categorised as LAMIC, and each represent an opportunity to enhance and improve understanding of and intervention for mental health issues in their population.

  The remit of MhiSA is to to identify identify contextualised research to create a voice and collective wisdom, support long-term action plans, provide information and inform policy development.

  Links:

  • http://southasia.bangor.ac.uk/

• UK-Iran Researcher Link Workshop: Mental Health

  01/04/2017 – 23/08/2017 (Finished)

  Description

  The Mental Health Initiative for South Asia (MhiSA), a large scale project comprised of a network of research groups with partners from across South Asia, and underpinned by a collaboratively-developed strategy.

  Links:

  • http://southasia.bangor.ac.uk

• 80885 CALIN

  01/12/2016 – 30/09/2023 (Active)

  Description

  The Celtic Advanced Life Science Innovation Network (CALIN) collaborative programme aims to connect Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with world leading Higher Educational Institutions including Bangor, Cardiff and Swansea Universities in Wales, and University College Dublin, The National University of Ireland Galway and Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork in Ireland. Focusing on Precision Medicine (diagnostics, devices & therapeutics), Regenerative Medicine, and Bio-Compatibility & Safety Evaluation, CALIN will engage with businesses to support advanced life science product development through collaborative R&D.

  Links:

  • https://gwenin.com/

• KESS II PhD project with Rhyl City Strategy BUK238

  01/06/2016 – 31/07/2020 (Finished)

  Links:

  • http://www.rcs-wales.co.uk

• CfAC Begins

  01/04/2016 – 30/04/2018 (Finished)

  Links:

  • http://cfac.bangor.ac.uk

• CfAC Begins

  01/04/2016 – 30/06/2018 (Finished)

  Links:

  • http://cfac.bangor.ac.uk

• KESS II PhD with Awyr Las - BUK218

  01/01/2016 – 28/02/2020 (Finished)

  Links:

  • https://awyrlas.org.uk

• Behaviour Change Project (Business Travel)

  01/10/2013 – 30/09/2015 (Finished)

• CBTHI project to assess local attitudes and behaviour towards business

  01/04/2013 – 31/01/2016 (Finished)

• Wales Centre for Behaviour Change

  01/01/2013 – 01/08/2019 (Finished)

  Description

  The Wales Centre for Behaviour Change (WCBC) will build on Bangor University’s internationally recognised academic reputation and award-winning applied research in the field of behavioural psychology and behaviour change. “Behaviour Change” is a key policy area that is critical for establishing sustainable lifestyles and promoting economic prosperity. WCBC will help to meet these global challenges, being a hub for collaborative R&D and innovation working alongside Welsh industry, and extending behaviour change systems and approaches to meet areas of need. It is a 2.5 year project funded in large part by the Welsh Govt. (Wales European Funding Office.)

  Links:

  • http://behaviourchange.bangor.ac.uk

• Food Consumption: Memory Formation

  01/05/2008 – 31/08/2009 (Finished)

• Cec-Using Cognitive Neuroscience To Undr

  01/10/2006 – 30/09/2009 (Finished)

• Unilever Work Package 3 - Reward And Lea

  01/10/2006 – 30/09/2008 (Finished)

Qualifications

PhD University of Cambridge

BA (Hons) Durham University