Episode 3: Reflecting on equality, diversity and inclusive practices

Episode Description

In the third episode of the Insight Series we will hear from two speakers who will share their reflections, experiences, and practical advice on developing more inclusive practices. The event will be co-hosted by BPS West Midlands Branch co-chairs Lawrence Moulin and Dr Sarah Rose.

Dr Romina Vivaldi will discuss a recent research project on name mispronunciation and will offer practical strategies that are relevant to all psychologists, regardless of their training stage or whether they work in academic or applied settings.

Hasan Hussain will then speak about how psychological research on memory intersects with issues of equality, diversity, and inclusion, particularly in relation to racial bias in legal and investigative contexts.

What will this episode cover?

Romina and Hassan will discuss their areas of research areas for twenty minutes each followed by a Q&A session hosted by our Branch Co-Chairs.

Romina

Name Mispronunciation, misspelling or Anglicisation of names reinforces cultural privilege and power dynamics, negatively affecting ethnic minority students’ wellbeing, and learning experiences (Ammigan et al., 2023). Accurate pronunciation and spelling of names are critical steps in creating an inclusive environment (Pilcher et al., 2024). This initiative builds on previous research around staff and students’ experiences and with diverse names’ pronunciation across UK and US Universities (Dali et al., 2022; Pilcher et al., 2024) and aims to provide tools and strategies to address name-related challenges, fostering respect for diverse identities in HE. Recognising the significance of names in EDI efforts can strengthen institutional commitments to student support and belonging.

Hassan 

This session aims to explore how psychological research on memory intersects with equality, diversity and inclusion, particularly in relation to racial bias within legal and investigative contexts. The event will examine how eyewitness memory is influenced by cognitive limitations, social expectations, and stereotypes, and how these factors can affect perceptions of credibility and fairness

Psychological research demonstrates that memory is reconstructive rather than a direct record of events (Bartlett, 1932; Loftus, 2013). Eyewitness recall is therefore vulnerable to stress, suggestion, delay, and contextual influences, often resulting in distortion (Deffenbacher et al., 2004).

These cognitive vulnerabilities do not operate in a social vacuum. Research indicates that racial stereotypes and implicit bias can influence attention, perception, identification, and recall, increasing the risk of misidentification for individuals from minoritised ethnic groups (Clifasefi et al., 2012; Howe, 2015). Evidence from the UK and internationally shows that wrongful convictions frequently involve confident, yet inaccurate eyewitness testimony shaped by racialised assumptions, leading to disproportionate harm.

Joining live? Take the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the speakers during the Q&A.

Meet the Speakers

Dr. Romina Vivaldi is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Staffordshire University, specialising in symbolic development—particularly as it relates to pictures—and gender development. She completed her BSc in Psychology at the National University of Rosario and earned her PhD in Developmental Psychology from the National University of Córdoba, Argentina, supported by a National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET) fellowship. After completing postdoctoral research with the National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET) and a short research stay at the University of Staffordshire in 2017, she moved to the UK in 2019 to join this University as an academic. Alongside her research and teaching, Romina has served for several years as the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) representative for the Psychology Department, championing inclusive practices and supporting initiatives that foster a fair and welcoming academic environment.

Hasan Hussain is an MSc Forensic Psychology postgraduate with academic interests in eyewitness memory, metamemory, and the role of cognitive and social bias within the criminal justice system. He completed his BSc in Psychology and Sociology at Aston University and completed his MSc in Forensic Psychology at Birmingham City University.

His academic and professional experiences reflect a strong commitment to applying psychological research across educational and forensic contexts. Hasan is passionate about translating memory science into inclusive, evidence-based practice and aspires to pursue postgraduate doctoral study in psychology.