Fear at first sight

Flinders PhD researcher Tess Barich is exploring the possibility of the left side of the brain having faster visual threat detection capabilities than the right. If true, computer aids could be developed to compensate for this difference.

Tess’s research is particularly interested in learning how universal and intrinsic threats evoke fear in humans. Her research investigates whether there are differences in the accuracy and reaction time between the left and right sides of the brain when visually detecting a threat.

“For most vertebrae, research has shown there to be a left visual field advantage for detecting threats such as snakes and spiders quicker and more accurately than when the threat appears in the right visual field," she says.

"However, since this is yet to be explored, my project aims to investigate whether the same lateralised effect occurs in humans.”

Visual threat detection is an innate and evolutionary function that refers to our ability to detect threats in our environment. Several types of universal and intrinsic threats can elicit fear in humans, including snakes, spiders, guns and knives.

“If one side of our visual field is slower for detecting potential threats, we could implement computer aids to reduce this deficit,” she says.

“It's important to remember that when we discuss differences between the left and right hemispheres in accuracy and reaction time, the differences could be rather small in the grand scheme of things – 50 milliseconds or so for example.” 

She explains that an example of this could be in the form of augmented reality, which could be used by soldiers on the battlefield to faster detect enemy threats.

PhD researcher Tess Barich.

“This kind of application could also be important when operating machinery such as cars,” she says.

Tess has identified a gap in the literature on how each of the brain’s hemispheres deal with threat detection, and wishes to contribute to its knowledge base with her research findings.

"We expect to find that people will be faster and more accurate at detecting threats on the left side of space and/or left visual field than those on the right side of space and/or right visual field,” she says.

Completing a PhD comes with its challenges and comparing her work to that of her peers is one struggle Tess faces.

She overcomes it by being open about her feelings with her supervisor, Professor Mike Nicholls, and her colleagues to work through imposter syndrome-related doubt.

Tess also appreciates the professional relationship she has with her supervisor, who has outsourced more appropriate sources of support where necessary.

“My supervisor is supporting me during my candidature in a multitude of ways,” she says.

One strategy Tess uses for time management is treating her PhD like a nine-to-five job. She understands that the reality of studying a PhD is different to an undergraduate degree, and therefore finds value in setting weekly goals.

Tess has also found value from completing Flinders’ course for PhD students COMS9001 - Communicating Research, designed to prepare students for undergoing a PhD.

“Communicating Research was particularly helpful in making timelines for projects to be completed,” she says.

Beginning her psychology career at Flinders with a Bachelor of Psychology, Tess transferred into the four-year Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) which she completed in 2020.

She is open to what her future may hold, but hopes it will involve applying the research and teaching skills she has gained from studying a PhD.