Emma Threadgold

Dr. Emma Threadgold is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), affiliated with the School of Psychology and Humanities. She holds roles as Chair of the Science Ethics Board and Research Degree Tutor within the school. Her research focuses on cognitive psychology, particularly insight problem solving, creativity, distraction mechanisms, and false memory phenomena. She has contributed to over 14 peer-reviewed publications between 2015–2024, exploring topics ranging from aesthetic judgments to environmental impact estimation biases.

Her work frequently addresses how external stimuli (e.g., background music, irrelevant sounds) affect cognitive processes like creativity and problem-solving. Recent studies investigate the 'negative footprint illusion'—how people misperceive environmental impact metrics—and the role of stimulus complexity in art appreciation. She collaborates with researchers in cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and environmental science, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach.