Picture of Lorin Elias

Lorin Elias BA, MA, PhD

Professor and Vice-Dean Academic

Faculty Member in College Office
Faculty Member in Psychology and Health Studies

Office
Arts 230

Research Area(s)

  • Cognitive neuroscience
  • Functional differences between the left and right hemisphere of the brain
  • A number of unusual perceptual phenomena, including a condition called Synesthesia
  • Advertising and aesthetics
  • Spatial attention
  • Cognitive evolution

About me

Sample publications:

  • Elias, L.J. & Saucier, D.M. (2006).  Neuropsychology:  Clinical and Experimental Foundations.  Boston:  Allyn Bacon
  • Wade, C., Tavris, C., Saucier, D.M., & Elias, L.J. (2012).  Psychology (4rd Canadian Edition).  Toronto: Prentice Hall.
  • Elias, L.J., Saucier, D.M., Sarty, G.E., Hardie, C. (2003).  What is unique in synaesthesia?  Behavioural and functional neuroanatomical investigations.  Cognitive Brain Research, 16, 232-237.
  • Elias, L.J., Bulman-Fleming, M.B., and McManus, I.C. (1999).  Visual temporal asymmetries are related to asymmetries in linguistic perception.  Neuropsychologia, 37(11),  29-35.
  • Elias, L.J. and Bryden, M.P. (1998).  Footedness is a better predictor of language lateralization than handedness.  Laterality, 3(1), 41-51.
     

Publications

Books:

Wade, C., Tavris, C., Garry, M., Saucier, D.M., & Elias, L.J. (2015).  Psychology (5ndt Canadian Edition).  Toronto: Prentice Hall.

Wade, C., Tavris, C., Saucier, D.M., & Elias, L.J. (2012).  Psychology (4ndt Canadian Edition).  Toronto: Prentice Hall.

Wade, C., Tavris, C., Saucier, D.M., & Elias, L.J. (2009).  Psychology (3ndt Canadian Edition).  Toronto: Prentice Hall.

Wade, C., Tavris, C., Saucier, D.M., & Elias, L.J. (2007).  Psychology (2ndt Canadian Edition).  Toronto: Prentice Hall.

Elias, L.J. & Saucier, D.M. (2006). Neuropsychology: Clinical and Experimental Foundations. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Wade, C., Tavris, C., Saucier, D.M., & Elias, L.J. (2004).  Psychology (1st Canadian Edition).  Toronto: Prentice Hall.

Papers:

Smith, A.K., Szelest, I., Friedrich, L.E. & Elias, L.J.. (2014). Native reading direction influences lateral biases in in the perception of shape from shading. Laterality: Asymmetries of Body, Brain and Cognition, epub ahead of print.

Friedrich, T.N. & Elias, L.J.. (2014). Behavioural Asymmetries on the Greyscales Task: The Influence of Native Reading Direction. Culture and Brain, 2(2), 161-172

Cochran, C. Smith, A. Elias, L.J.. (2014). Ladies to the right: Female faces perceived as more threatening when presented in the right hemifield. Psychology, epub ahead of print.

Szelest, I. & Elias, L.J.. (2014). Lower-right and upper-left biases within upper and lower visual fields in a circular array task. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 119(3), 861-79.

Harms, V.L. & Elias, L.J.. (2014). Examination of complementarity in speech and emotional vocalization perception.. Psychology. 5: 864-874.

Harms, V.L., Cochran, C., & Elias, L.J.. (2014). Melody and Language: An Examination of the Relationship Between Complementary Processes. Psychology, 7: 1-8.

Friedrich, T.E., Harms, V.L. & Elias, L.J.. (2014). Dynamic stimuli: Accentuating aesthetic preference biases. Laterality: Asymmetries of Body, Brain and Cognition, 19(5): 549-559.

Harms, V., Reese, M., & Elias, LJ. (2013). Lateral bias in theatre-seat choice. Laterality: Asymmetries of Body, Brain and Cognition, 19(1), 1-11.

Smith, A.K., & Elias, L.J. (2013). Native reading direction and corresponding preferences for left or right lit images. Perceptual and Motor Skills: Learning & Memory, 116(2), 355-367.

Thomas, N.A., Schneider, O., Gutwin, C., & Elias, L.J., 2012. Dorsal stream contributions to perceptual asymmetries. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 18, 251-259.

Thomas, N.A. & Elias, L.J., 2012. Perceptual asymmetries in greyscales: Object-based versus space-based influences. CORTEX, (5), 553-562.

McDine, D.A., Livingston, I., Thomas, N.A., & Elias, L.J., 2011. Lateral biases in lighting of abstract artwork. LATERALITY, 16(3), 268-279.

Hutchison, J., Thomas, N.A., & Elias, L.J., 2011. Leftward lighting in advertisements increases advertisement ratings and purchase intention. LATERALITY, 16(4), 423-432.

Thomas, N.A. & Elias, L.J., 2011. Upper and lower visual field differences in perceptual asymmetries. Brain Research, 1387, 108-115.

Thomas, N.A. & Elias, L.J., 2011. Upper and lower visual field differences in perceptual asymmetries. Brain Research, 1387, 108-115.

Thomas, N.A. & Elias, L.J., 2010. Do perceptual asymmetries differ in peripersonal and extrapersonal space?. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 16(1), 210-214.

Thomas, N.A., Stuckel, D., Gutwin, C., & Elias, L.J., 2009. Directional collisions during a route following task. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 15(2), 225-230.

Thomas, N.A., Burkitt, J.A., Patrick, R.E., & Elias, L.J., 2008. The lighter side of advertising: Investigating posing and lighting biases. LATERALITY, 13(6), 504-513.

Patrick, R.E. & Elias, L.J. (2008). Navigational conversation impairs concurrent distance judgments. Accident Analysis and Prevention, 41, 36-41.

Hall, P.A., Elias, L.J., Fong, G.T., Harrison, A., Borowski, R., Sarty, G. (2008). A social neuroscience perspective on physical activity. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 30, 432-449.

Hall, P.A., Fong, G.T., Epp, L.J., & Elias, L. (2008). Executive function moderates the intention-behavior link for physical activity and dietary behavior. Psychology & Health, 23, 309-326.

Suschinsky, K. Krupp, D., & Elias, L.J. (2007).  Looking for Ms. Right: Allocating Attention to Facilitate Mate Choice Decisions.  Evolutionary Psychology, 5(2) 428-441. (accepted for publication June 13, 2007) [NSERC to LJE].

Rhode, L. & Elias, L.J. (2007).  Visual bisection of freely viewed asymmetrical stimuli. Laterality, 12(4), 347-355 (accepted for publication March 1, 2007) [NSERC to LJE].  

Saucier, D.M., Lisoway, A., Green, S., & Elias, L.J. (2006).  Female Advantage for Object Location Memory In Peripersonal But Not Extrapersonal Space.  Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 13, 1–4. (accepted October 27, 2006) [NSERC to DMS].

Hall, P., Elias, L.J. Crossley, M. (2006). Neurocognitive Influences on Health Behavior in a Community Sample. Health Psychology, 25(6):778 82, (accepted for publication October 19, 2006) [CIHR to PH].

Sykes Tottenham, L., Saucier, D., Elias, L., & Gutwin, C. (2005).  Men are More Accurate at Aiming at Targets in Both Intrapersonal and Extrapersonal Space.  Perceptual and Motor Skills, 101, 3-12. [NSERC to DMS and CG].

Robinson, B.M., Elias, L.J. (2004). Novel Stimuli are Negative Stimuli: Evidence Negative Affect is Reduced in the Mere Exposure Effect, Perceptual and Motor Skills, 100(2):365 72.

Elias, L.J. & Robinson, B.M. (2004).  Lateral biases in assumptions of lighting position.  Brain and Cognition, 59(3), 303 305.  

Robinson, B.M., Elias, L.J. (2005).  Novel Stimuli are Negative Stimuli:  Evidence Negative Affect is Reduced in the Mere Exposure Effect.  Perceptual and Motor Skills, 100(2):365 72.

Elias, L.J., Robinson, B., & Saucier, D.M. (2004). Rightward Biases in Free Viewing Visual Bisection Tasks.  Brain and Cognition, 59(3),  296 298. (accepted for publication January 28, 2003).

Saucier, D.M., Tessem, F.K., Sheerin, A., & Elias, L.J. (2004).  Unilateral forced nostril breathing affects dichotic listening for emotional tones.  Brain and Cognition, 55( 2), 403 405. (accepted for publication February 28, 2003).

Elias, L.J., Saucier, D.M., Sarty, G.E., Hardie, C. (2003).  What is unique in synaesthesia?  Behavioural and functional neuroanatomical investigations.  Cognitive Brain Research, 16, 232-237.

Elias, L.J., Saucier, D.M., Nylen, K.,  & Cheesman, J. (2003).  An examination of the female advantage in speeded colour naming: Is it due to a special naming factor or superior motor sequencing?  Perceptual and Motor Skills, 96, 955-961.

Gilleta, K., Vrbancic, M., Elias, L.J. & Saucier, D.M.  (2003).  A Mozart effect for women on a mental rotations task  Perceptual and Motor Skills, 96, 1086-1092.

Sulakhe, N., Elias, L.J., & Lejbak, L. (2003).  Hemispheric Asymmetries For Gap Detection Depend On Noise Type.  Brain and Cognition, 53(2): 372 5 (accepted for publication June 17, 2002).

McKibbin, K., Elias, L.J., Saucier, D.M., &  Engebregston, D. (2003).  Right Hemispheric Dominance for Processing Extended Non linguistic Frequency Transitions. Brain and Cognition, 53(2):322 6 (accepted for publication April 11, 2002).

MacFadden, A., Elias, L.J., & Saucier, D.M. (2003).  Men and women scan maps similarly, but give directions differently. Brain and Cognition, 53(2), 297 300 (accepted for publication March 8, 2002).

 Sykes-Tottenham, L., Saucier, D.M., Elias, L.J., & Gutwin, C. (2003).  Female advantage for spatial location memory in both static and dynamic environments   Brain and Cognition, 53(2), 381-383. (accepted for publication March 9, 2002).

Saucier, D.M., Bowman, M., & Elias, L.J. (2003).  Sex differences in the effect of articulatory or spatial dual-task interference during navigation  Brain and Cognition, 53, 346–350.

Saucier, D.M., Green, S.M., Leason, J., MacFadden, A., Bell, S., & Elias, L.J. (2002).  Are sex differences in navigation caused by sexually dimorphic strategies or by the differences in the ability to use the strategies? Behavioral Neuroscience, 116(3), 403-410. (Accepted for publication August , 2001).

Elias, L.J., Saucier, D.M., Sheerin, A., & Burton, C.L. (2002).  Free viewing perceptual asymmetries for judgement of brightness and quantity: Dependence on stimulus orientation. Brain and Cognition, 48, 526-53 (accepted for publication on March 29, 2001).

Elias, L.J., Saucier, D.M., & Engebregtson, D. (2002).  Lateral differences in visual inspection time?  The role of apparent motion cues.  Brain and Cognition, 48, 342-347 (accepted for publication March 12, 2001).

Saucier, D.M. & Elias, L.J. (2002).  Laterality of phonological working memory: Dependence on type of stimulus, memory load, and sex.   Brain and Cognition, 48, 526-531. (accepted for publication March 4, 2001).
 
Buchanan, K.M. & Elias, L.J. (2001).  Psychological distress and family burden following spinal cord injury: Concurrent traumatic brain injury cannot be overlooked.  Axone, 22(3), 16-17 (accepted for publication March 11, 2001).

Saucier, D.M., Elias, L.J., & Nylen, K.J. (2001). Are colours special?  An examination of the female advantage for speeded colour naming.  Personality and Individual Differences, 32, 27-35.  (accepted for publication October 10, 2000).

Saucier, D.M. and Elias, L.J. (2000).  Lateral and sex differences in manual gesture during conversation. Laterality, 6(3), 239-245 (accepted for publication September 23, 2000).    

Elias, L.J., Saucier, D.M., & Guylee, M.J. (2000).  Handedness and Depression in University Students: A Sex by Handedness Interaction.  Brain and Cognition, 42(1), 125-128.  Accepted for publication February 25, 2000.    

Buchanan, K.M., Elias, L.J., and Goplen, G.B. (1999).  Differing Perspectives on Outcome after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage:  The Patient, the Relative, the Neurosurgeon.  Neurosurgery, 46(4): 831 8; discussion 838 40. Accepted for publication December 1, 1999.

Buchanan, K.M. and Elias, L.J. (1999).  Personality & behaviour changes following spinal cord injury: self perceptions - partners’ perceptions.  Axone 21(2):36 9.  Accepted for publication November 15, 1999.

Elias, L.J., Bulman-Fleming, M.B., and McManus, I.C. (2000).  Linguistic lateralization and interhemispheric transfer time.  Brain and Cognition, 43(1), 181-185.  Accepted for publication February 18, 1999.

Guylee, M.J., Elias, L.J., Bulman-Fleming, M.B., and Dixon, M.J. (1999).  Tactile gap-detection and language lateralization. Brain and Cognition, 43(1), 234-238.  Accepted for publication February 18, 1999.

Elias, L.J., Bulman-Fleming, M.B., and McManus, I.C. (1999).  Visual temporal asymmetries are related to asymmetries in linguistic perception.  Neuropsychologia, 37(11),  29 35.  Accepted for publication January 11, 1999.

Elias, L.J., Bulman-Fleming, M.B., and Guylee, M.J. (1998).  Complementarity of cerebral function among individuals with atypical laterality profiles. Brain and Cognition, 40(1): 112 115.  Accepted for publication March 5, 1998.

Elias, L.J., Bryden, M.P., and Bulman-Fleming, M.B.  (1998).  Footedness is a better predictor of emotional lateralization than is handedness.  Neuropsychologia, 36(1), 37-43.  Accepted for publication July 14, 1997.

Elias, L.J. and Bryden, M.P. (1998).  Footedness is a better predictor of language lateralization than handedness.  Laterality, 3(1), 41-51.  Accepted for publication January 19, 1997.

Teaching & Supervision

Introductory Psychology Neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience

Recent Courses Taught:

Psych 121.3    Intro. to Psychology:  Biological and Cognitive Foundations

Psych 246.3    Intro. to Human Neuropsychology

Psych 353.3    Advanced Cognitive Science: Basic Cognitive and Perceptual Processes

Psych 356.3    Research in Cognitive Science: Independent Research Projects

Psych 347.3     Advanced Human Neuropsychology

Psych 348.3     Research in Human Neuropsychology

Psych 472.3     Honours Thesis

Psych 448.3     Advanced Seminar in the Neural Basis of Behaviour

Psych 846.3    Human Neuropsychology

Research

Cognition & Neurosciences Synesthesia advertising aesthetics brain cognitive hemisphere spatial attention

cognitive neuroscience, hemispheric specialization, cognitive evolution, spatial attention, advertising and aesthetics

Education & Training

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY,  UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO, WATERLOO, ONTARIO (1999).
             Department of Psychology.

MASTER OF ARTS,  UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO, WATERLOO, ONTARIO (1996).
             Department of Psychology.

BACHELOR OF ARTS (HONOURS), UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN, SASKATOON,
         SASKATCHEWAN (1994).  Department of Psychology.