Dr Alon Zivony

My current research project concerns two of the oldest questions in the field of attention: (i) how does the brain “decide” which information is relevant, and (ii) how this selective process results in the perception of discrete objects. Recently, I developed a new framework for selective attention and conscious perception, the diachronic account (from the Greek words "through", δια, and "time", χρόνος), that aims to answer both questions. As its name suggests, the diachronic account emphasizes how selective attention unfolds over time. With this framework, I aim to study questions about selectivity in time and its relationship to perception in dynamic environments and functioning in everyday tasks (such as reading or driving).

I am also interested in studying prejudice against sexual and gender minorities. I believe that incorrect assumption about sexuality in general can underlie prejudice towards people from sexual and gender minorities (a "stereotype deduction" account). Therefore, exposing these incorrect assumptions and their connections to prejudice can play a role in tackling biases and improving the lives of sexual and gender minorities.