Louise P. Kirsch, PhD

The first approach focuses on the impact of multisensory experience on action perception at the motor processing levels, as well as at the affective level. I used dance as a model for understanding how complex actions are learned and perceived, as dance enables us to focus on complex movement ”for movement’s sake”, without additional considerations of the instrumental goal or intention of a movement; but with an affective component.

The second approach explores how tactile experience shapes perception of self and others. The importance of touch is often neglected, but it is essential to development and social interactions. So just as much as action understanding is important for navigating our social world, so is touch.

What brings together my past, current, and future research is the investigation of the interaction between the body and multisensory experiences in understanding ourselves and others, while always taking into account how affect shapes perception.

​

To so, I combine behavioural, physiological and brain imaging methods, in typical young adults, as well in the elderly and neurological patients (especially after stroke).

​