My research focuses on understanding how learning and experience can fundamentally reshape the way we represent information in memory, as well as how our representational spaces are actively reorganized to facilitate retrieval from memory. To address these questions, I have studied the costs of divided attention, the benefits of active learning tasks (e.g. drawing, motor enactment), and the changes in patterns of brain activity elicited by regularities in our environment. In other work, I have explored the experience of mind-wandering, a commonly experienced phenomenon where our thoughts drift away from what we are currently doing and toward internal thoughts and concerns. Specifically, I am interested in how episodes of mind wandering impact learning and performance, and how mind wandering might be reduced in educational settings. I use behavioural experiments, computational tools, and functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate these and related questions, and wherever possible, I conduct experiments that relate the laboratory to the real-world (e.g. long-term studies in actual university classrooms).
Selected Publications
In addition:
Fan, J. E., Wammes, J. D., Gunn, J. B., Yamins, D. L. K., Norman, K. A. & Turk-Browne, N. B. (2020). Relating visual production and recognition of objects in human visual cortex. Journal of Neuroscience. 40, 1710-1721
Wammes,J. D., Jonker, T. R., & Fernandes, M. A. (2019). Drawing improves memory: The importance of multimodal encoding context. Cognition, 191, 103955.
Wammes, J. D., Ralph, B. C., Mills, C., Bosch, N., Duncan, T. L., & Smilek, D. (2019). Disengagement during lectures: Media multitasking and mind wandering in university classrooms. Computers & Education, 132, 76-89.
Wammes, J. D., Meade, M. E., & Fernandes, M. A. (2018). Creating a recollection-based memory through drawing. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 44, 734-751.
Wammes, J. D., & Fernandes, M. A. (2017). The residual protective effects of enactment. Cognition, 164, 87-101.
Wammes, J. D., & Smilek, D. (2017). Examining the influence of lecture format on degree of mind wandering. Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition, 6, 174-184.
Wammes, J. D., Meade, M. E., & Fernandes, M. A. (2016). The drawing effect: Evidence for reliable and robust memory benefits in free recall. The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 69, 1752-1776 .
To function successfully, we need to be able to select the perceptual information relevant to current task goals, and the responses appropriate given the current task goals. I am interested in the attentional control processes that we use to flexibly control our perceptions, memories, and actions in our attempt to successfully complete tasks. Using a combination of behavioural studies and functional magnetic resonance imaging studies, I examine limitations in attentional control, how attentional control processes shape the world that we perceive, and the cortical mechanisms that underlie attentional control.
Selected Publications
1. Harrison, G. W., Rajsic, J., & Wilson, D. E. (February, 2016). Object-Substitution Masking Degrades the Quality of Conscious Object Representations. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 23(1), 180-186 doi: 10.3758/s13423-015-0875-7.
2. Rajsic, J., Wilson, D. E., Pratt, J. (October, 2015). Confirmation bias in visual search. Journal of Experimental Psychology; Human Perception & Performance, 41(5), 1353-1364, doi: 10.1037/xhp0000090.
3. Furlano, R., Kelley, E., Hall, L., & Wilson, D. (May, 2015). Self-perception of competencies in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Autism Research, 8(6), 761-770, doi: 10.1002/aur.1491.
4. Rajsic, J., & Wilson, D. E. (Oct., 2014). Asymmetrical access to color and location in visual working memory. Attention, Perception, & Psychophysics, 76, 1902-1913. doi: 10.3758/s13414-014-0723-2
5. Rajsic, J., Bi, Y., & Wilson, D. E. (2014). Long-term facilitation of return: A response-retrieval effect. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review. 21(2) 418-424. doi: 10.3758/s13423-013-0502-4
6. Wild, C. J., Yusuf, A., Wilson, D. E., Peelle, J. E., Davis, M. H., Johnsrude, I. S. (2012). Effortful Listening: The processing of degraded speech depends critically on attention. Journal of Neuroscience, 32, 14010-14021. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1528-12.2012
7. Wilson, D. E., Muroi, M., & MacLeod, C. M. (2011). Dilution, not load, affects distractor processing. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception & Performance, 37, 319-335.
8. Greenberg, A., Esterman, M., Wilson, D. E., Serences, J., & Yantis, S. (2010). Control of Spatial and Feature-Based Attention in Frontoparietal Cortex. Journal of Neuroscience, 30, 14330-14339.
9. Joordens, S., Wilson, D. E., Spalek, T. M., & Par茅, D. E. (2010). Turning the Process-Dissociation Procedure Inside-Out: A New Technique for Understanding the Relation Between Conscious and Unconscious Influences. Consciousness & Cognition, 19, 270-280.
10. Dodd, M. D., & Wilson, D. E. (2009). Training attention: Interactions between central cues and reflexive attention. Visual Cognition, 17, 736-754.
11. Wilson, D. E., MacLeod, C. M., & Muroi, M. (2008). Practice in visual search produces decreased capacity demands but increased distraction. Perception & Psychophysics, 70, 1130-1137.
12. Wilson, D. E., & Pratt, J. (2007). Evidence from a response choice task reveals a selection bias in the attentional cueing paradigm. Acta Psychologica, 126, 216-225.
13. Yang, L., Hasher, L., & Wilson, D. E. (2007). Synchrony effects in automatic and controlled retrieval. Psychonomic Bulletin and Review, 14, 51-56.
14. Wilson, D. E., Castel, A. D., & Pratt, J. (2006). Long-term inhibition of return for spatial locations: Evidence for a memory retrieval account. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 59, 2135-2147.
15. Horton, K. D., Wilson, D. E., Vonk, J., Kirby, S. L., & Nielsen, T. (2005). Measuring automatic retrieval: A comparison of implicit memory, process dissociation, and speeded response procedures. Acta Psychologica, 119, 235-263.
16. Wilson, D. E., & Horton, K. D. (2002). Comparing techniques for estimating automatic retrieval: Effects of retention interval. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 9, 566-574.
17. Horton, K. D., Wilson, D. E., & Evans, M. (2001). Measuring automatic retrieval. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory and Cognition, 27, 958-966.
18. Servos, P., Lederman, S., Wilson, D., & Gati, J. (2001). fMRI-derived cortical maps for shape, texture, and hardness. Cognitive Brain Research, 12, 307-313.
Dr. Fekken obtained her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (1978), Master of Arts (1980) and Ph.D. (1983) degrees in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario. She joined 成人大片 in Kingston, Ontario in 1983 and has since become a tenured Full Professor in the Department of Psychology. Since 2001, Dr. Fekken has held a variety of administrative positions, including Associate Dean (Studies), Associate Dean at-large, and Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Arts and Science and Associate Vice Principal (Research) for Queen鈥檚 University.
Dr. Fekken's research interests focus on personality theory and psychological assessment. She has published numerous book chapters and empirical papers in refereed journals. Her recent work has evaluated the subclinical aspects of personality known as the 鈥淒ark Triad鈥. Much of her research has evaluated the degree to which people's questionnaire responses can be trusted. Dr. Fekken has been a registered psychologist with the Ontario College of Psychologists since 1989 and has consulted about psychological assessment issues with numerous professional, governmental and community organizations.
Selected Publications
Stead, R. & Fekken, G. C. The central role of Agreeableness in the Dark Triad. Submitted for publication.
Criger, B., & Fekken, G. C. Attitudes toward self-enhancement via smart drugs. Presented at the Annual Conference of the Canadian Psychological Association, Vancouver, June 2014. Canadian Psychology, 55, 2a, p. 57 #32.
Plouffe, R., & Fekken, G. C. Effects of sanctions on academic dishonesty. Presented at the Annual Conference of the Canadian Psychological Association, Vancouver, June 2014. Canadian Psychology, 55, 2a, p. 62 #87.
Stead, R., Plouffe, R., Kay, A., & Fekken, G. C. The Dark Triad of personality and social desirability: Lying to oneself or lying to other people? Presented at the Annual Conference of the Canadian Psychological Association, Vancouver, June 2014. Canadian Psychology, 55, 2a, p. 63 #98.
Bryan, A., & Fekken, G. C. (2013). The role of the Dark Triad and specific personality traits in academic integrity. Presented at the Annual Conference of the Canadian Psychological Association, Quebec City, June 2013. Canadian Psychology, 54, 2a, p.115 #19.
Criger, B., & Fekken, G. C. (2013). Factor congruence in essentialist conceptions of human nature. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of the Canadian Psychological Association, Quebec City, June 2013. Canadian Psychology, 54, 2a, p.115 #25.
Stead, R., & Fekken, G. C. (2013). The central role of Agreeableness in the Dark Triad. Paper presented at the Annual Conference of the Canadian Psychological Association, Quebec City, June 2013. Canadian Psychology, 54, 2a, p.122 #104.
Criger, B. & Fekken. G. C. (2013). Human germline engineering: A study of attitudes among Canadian university students and the American public. International Journal for the Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(8), 148-159.
Stead, R., Fekken, G. C., Kay, A., & McDermott, K. (2012). Conceptualizing the Dark Triad of personality: Links to social symptomatology. Personality and Individual Differences, 53(8), 1023-1028.
Stead, R., McIntyre, M. & Fekken, G. C. (2012). Academic integrity in university: The role of personality traits and motivation. Canadian Psychology, 53, 2a.
Wong, P. B. Y., Van Coeverden De Groot, P., Fekken, G. C., Smith, H., Pages, M., & Boag, P. T. (2011). Interpretations of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) tracks by Inuit hunters: Inter-rater reliability and inferences concerning accuracy. Canadian Field Naturalist, 125, 1-14.
My primary research focus is the role of stress and early trauma in the etiology and ongoing pathology of major depression in adolescence and adulthood. My current work focuses on neurohormonal, social cognitive, and motivational/reward factors that increase the sensitivity to, and generation of, stress in major depression.
Selected Publications
Mazurka, R., Harkness, K. L., Hassel, S., Stensson, N., Nogovitsyn, N., Poppenk, J.,鈥 & Mayo, L. (2024). Endocannabinoid Concentrations in Major Depression: Effects of Childhood Maltreatment and Relation to Hippocampal Volume. Translational Psychiatry, 14(1). DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-03151-z
Hudson, C., Sabbagh, M. A., & Harkness, K. L. (2024). How theory of mind skills lead to positive first impressions. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 153, 1489-1499. DOI: 10.1037/xge0001573
Min, S., Mazurka, R., Pizzagalli, D. A., Whitton, A. E., Milev, R. V., Bagby, R. M., Kennedy, S. H., & Harkness, K. L. (2024). Stressful Life Events and Reward Processing in Adults: Moderation by Depression and Anhedonia. Depression and Anxiety, 2024, 8853631. DOI:
Mazurka, R., Cunningham, S., Hassel, S., Foster, J., 鈥., & Harkness, K. L. (2024). Relation of Hippocampal Volume and Glucocorticoid-Related Gene Expression to Treatment Remission in Major Depression is Moderated by Childhood Maltreatment: A CAN-BIND Report. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 78, 71-80. DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2023.12.003
Gallagher, A., Washburn, D., Jacobson, J., & Harkness, K. L. (2024). Negative Feedback-Seeking in Depression: The Moderating Roles of Rumination and Interpersonal Life Stress. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 80, 471-489. DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23624
Rowe, J., Poppenk, J., Squires, S., Mazurka, R., Nogovitsyn, N., Hassel, S.,鈥. Harkness, K. L. (2023). Anxious Arousal Predicts Within-Person Changes in Hippocampal Volume in Adults with a History of Childhood Maltreatment: A CAN-BIND-4 Report. Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, 132(7), 797鈥807. DOI: 10.1037/abn0000864 (Special section)
Monroe, S. M., & Harkness, K. L. (2023). Why recurrent depression should be reconceptualized and redefined. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 32, 204-211. DOI: (invited)
Harkness, K. L., Charkrabarty, T., Rizvi, S., *Mazurka, R., Quilty, L.,鈥 & Lam, R. (2023). The differential relation of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse histories to antidepressant treatment remission and persistence of anhedonia in major depression: A CAN-BIND-1 Report. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 62, 586-595. DOI: 10.1177/07067437231156255
Rowe, J., Chananna, J., Cunningham, S., & Harkness, K. L. (2023). Sexual, Physical, and Emotional Maltreatment in Childhood Are Differentially Associated with Sexual and Physical Revictimization in Adulthood. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 38, 3806-3830. DOI: 10.1177/08862605221111411
Monroe, S. M., & Harkness, K. L. (2022). Major depression and its recurrences: Life course matters. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 18, 329-357. DOI: annurev-clinpsy-072220-021440 (invited)
Hicks, O., McInerney, S., Lam, R. W., Milev, R., Frey, B., Soares, C.,鈥 & Harkness, K. L. (2022). Acute and Chronic Stress Predict Anti-Depressant Treatment Outcome and Naturalistic Course of Major Depression: A CAN-BIND Report. Journal of Affective Disorders, 313, 8-14. DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.06.058
Zheng, S., Stewart, J. S., Bagby, R. M., & Harkness, K. L. (2022). Specific Early Maladaptive Schemas Differentially Mediate the Relations of Emotional and Sexual Maltreatment to Recent Life Events in Youth with Depression. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 29, 1020-1033. DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2681
Mangardich, H., Tollefson, N., Harkness, K. L., & Sabbagh, M. A. (2022). Neural processes involved in theory of mind reasoning in dysphoric and non-dysphoric adults. Social Neuroscience, 22, 73-85. DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2021.2005678
Cunningham, S., Mazurka, R., Wynne-Edwards, K. E., Milev, R. V., Pizzagalli, D. A., Kennedy, S., & Harkness, K. L. (2021). Cortisol Reactivity to Stress Predicts Behavioral Responsivity to Reward: Moderation by Sex, Depression, and Anhedonia. Journal of Affective Disorders, 293, 1-8. DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.05.126
Vallati, M., Stewart, J. G., Larocque, C., Mazurka, R., Milev, R., Bagby, R. M., Kennedy, S., & Harkness, K. L. (2020). Childhood maltreatment and the clinical characteristics of major depressive disorder in adolescence and adulthood. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 129, 469-479. DOI: 10.1037/abn0000521
Monroe, S. M., Anderson, S. F., & Harkness, K. L. (2019). Life Stress and Major Depression: The Mysteries of Recurrences. Psychological Review, 126, 791-816.
Cunningham, S., Goff, C., Bagby, R. M., Stewart, J. G., Larocque, C., Mazurka, R., Ravindran, A., & Harkness, K. L. (2019). Maternal- versus Paternal-Perpetrated Maltreatment and Risk for Sexual and Peer Bullying Revictimization in Young Women with Depression. Child Abuse and Neglect, 89, 111-121.
Hudson, C. C., Shamblaw, A., Wilson, G. A., Roes, M. M., Sabbagh, M.A., & Harkness, K. L. (2018). Theory of mind, excessive reassurance-seeking and stress generation in depression: A social-cognitive integration. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 37, 725-750.
Rnic, K., Sabbagh, M. A., Washburn, D., Bagby, R. M., Ravindran, A., Kennedy, J. L.,鈥 & Harkness, K. L. (2018). Childhood neglect and physical abuse are associated with theory of mind decoding accuracy in young adults with depression. Psychiatry Research, 286, 501-507.
Mazurka, R., Wynne-Edwards, K. E., & Harkness, K. L. (2018). Sex Differences in the Cortisol Response to the Trier Social Stress Test in Depressed and Non-depressed Adolescents. Clinical Psychological Science, 6, 301-314.
