Professor Bob Knight Research Interests, Research, Department of Psychology, University of Otago, New Zealand

Professor Bob Knight

Profile

Emeritus Professor Bob Knight trained and practiced as a Clinical Psychologist before taking a position at the University of Otago in 1977. He was appointed Professor in 2003 and served as the University Provost for several years. He is a former Chair of the Department and was Director of the Clinical Psychology Training Programme for 19 years. He has published over 100 research articles reporting data-based research in the past 30 years, in a range of leading international journals in Psychology and cognate disciplines.

During his career at the University of Otago, he has supervised more than 20 PhD and 40 Masters dissertations. His principal research focus was on tests and measurement in clinical psychology.

Bob retired from the department in April 2015.

Measurement in Clinical Psychology

Assessing clients who have psychological problems is an important activity in the practice of clinical psychology. Accurate case formulation, treatment, and clinical research rely on having reliable data from well-validated assessment tools.

The research I focus on concerns the construction and validation of clinical tests and measures, particularly those used in the practice of clinical neuropsychology. At present, our laboratory’s main focus is on testing older persons with mild cognitive impairments and with the aim of understanding the memory processes that decline in normal and abnormal ageing.

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Publications

Guévremont, D., Tsui, H., Knight, R. G., Fowler, C. J., Masters, C. L., Martins, R. N., Abraham, W. C., Tate, W. P., Cutfield, N. J., & Williams, J. M. (2022). Plasma microRNA vary in association with the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, 14, e12251. doi: 10.1002/dad2.12251

Guévremont, D., Tsui, H., Knight, R., Fowler, C. J., Masters, C. L., Martins, R. N., Abraham, W. C., Tate, W. P., Cutfield, N., & Williams, J. M. (2020). Plasma microRNA vary in association with the progression in Alzheimer's disease. Proceedings of the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC). ODO2-09-06. Retrieved from https://alz.confex.com/alz/20amsterdam/meetingapp.cgi/Home/0

Ukra, A., Foster Page, L. A., Thomson, W. M., Knight, R. G., & Farella, M. (2017). Self-report of temporomandibular joint clicking and psychological factors: Is there an association? Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 44(7), 511-516. doi: 10.1111/joor.12514

Aldaz, B. E., Treharne, G. J., Knight, R. G., Conner, T. S., & Perez, D. (2017). Oncology healthcare professionals' perspectives on the psychosocial support needs of cancer patients during oncology treatment. Journal of Health Psychology, 22(10), 1332-1344. doi: 10.1177/1359105315626999

Aldaz, B. E., Treharne, G. J., Knight, R. G., Conner, T. S., & Perez, D. (2016). 'It gets into your head as well as your body': The experiences of patients with cancer during oncology treatment with curative intent. Journal of Health Psychology, 23(1), 3-16. doi: 10.1177/1359105316671185

Knight, R. G., & Linscott, R. J. (2007). Informed consent in research and clinical practice with adults. In I. M. Evans, J. J. Rucklidge & M. O'Driscoll (Eds.), Professional practice of psychology in Aotearoa New Zealand. (pp. 103-115). Wellington, New Zealand: New Zealand Psychological Society.

Chapter in Book - Research

Knight, R. G. (2001). Neurological consequences of alcohol use. In N. Heather, T. J. Peters & T. Stockwell (Eds.), International Handbook of Alcohol Dependence and Problems. (pp. 129-148). UK: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Chapter in Book - Research

Knight, R. G. (1998). Prospective memory. In A. I. Troster (Ed.), Memory in neurodegenerative disease: Biological, Clinical, and Cognitive Perspectives. (pp. 172-183). New York, USA: Cambridge University Press.

Chapter in Book - Research

Knight, R. G., & Linscott, R. J. (1997). Informed consent: adults. In H. Love & W. Whittaker (Eds.), Practice Issues for Clinical and Applied Psychologists in New Zealand. (pp. 19-31). Wellington: NZPSS.

Chapter in Book - Research

Journal - Research Article

Groves, S. J., Porter, R. J., Jordan, J., Knight, R., Carter, J. D., McIntosh, V. V. W., Fernando, K., Frampton, C. M. A., Mulder, R. T., Lacey, C., & Joyce, P. R. (2015). Changes in neuropsychological function after treatment with metacognitive therapy or cognitive behavior therapy for depression. Depression & Anxiety, 32(6), 437-444. doi: 10.1002/da.22341

Journal - Research Article

Clarke, R., Bennett, D., Parish, S., Lewington, S., Skeaff, M., Eussen, S. J. P. M., … on behalf of the B-Vitamin Treatment Trialists' Collaboration, including McMahon, J., Green, T., Mann, J., Knight, R., & Williams, S. (2014). Effects of homocysteine lowering with B vitamins on cognitive aging: Meta-analysis of 11 trials with cognitive data on 22,000 individuals. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 100(2), 657-666. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.113.076349

Journal - Research Article

Knight, R. G., Tsui, H. S. L., Abraham, W. C., Skeaff, C. M., McMahon, J. A., & Cutfield, N. J. (2014). Lack of effect of the apolipoprotein E ε4 genotype on cognition during healthy aging. Journal of Clinical & Experimental Neuropsychology, 36(7), 742-750. doi: 10.1080/13803395.2014.935706

Journal - Research Article

Dear, B. F., Zou, J., Titov, N., Lorian, C., Johnston, L., Spence, J., … Knight, R. G. (2013). Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for depression: A feasibility open trial for older adults. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 47(2), 169-176. doi: 10.1177/0004867412466154

Journal - Research Article

Douglas, K. M., Porter, R. J., Knight, R. G., & Alsop, B. (2013). The dynamics of word retrieval in major depression. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 47, 276-283. doi: 10.1177/0004867412465124

Journal - Research Article

Bradbury, K. E., Williams, S. M., Green, T. J., McMahon, J. A., Mann, J. I., Knight, R. G., & Skeaff, C. M. (2012). Differences in erythrocyte folate concentrations in older adults reached steady-state within one year in a two-year, controlled, 1 mg/d folate supplementation trial^1-3. Journal of Nutrition, 142(9), 1633-1637. doi: 10.3945/jn.112.161562

Journal - Research Article

Zou, J. B., Dear, B. F., Titov, N., Lorian, C. N., Johnston, L., Spence, J., Knight, R. G., Anderson, T., & Sachdev, P. (2012). Brief internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety in older adults: A feasibility trial. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 26(6), 650-655. doi: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2012.04.002

Journal - Research Article

Douglas, K. M., Porter, R. J., Knight, R. G., & Maruff, P. (2011). Neuropsychological changes and treatment response in severe depression. British Journal of Psychiatry, 198, 115-122. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.110.080713

Journal - Research Article

Anderson, T. M., & Knight, R. G. (2010). The long-term effects of traumatic brain injury on the coordinative function of the central executive. Journal of Clinical & Experimental Neuropsychology, 32(10), 1074-1082. doi: 10.1080/13803391003733560

Journal - Research Article

Knight, R. G., McMahon, J., Skeaff, C. M., & Green, T. J. (2010). Reliable change indices for the Ruff 2 and 7 selective attention test in older adults. Applied Neuropsychology, 17(4), 239-245. doi: 10.1080/09084282.2010.499796

Journal - Research Article

Knight, R. G., & O'Hagan, K. (2009). Autobiographical memory in long-term survivors of severe traumatic brain injury. Journal of Clinical & Experimental Neuropsychology, 31(5), 575-583. doi: 10.1080/13803390802363710

Journal - Research Article

Knight, R. G., & Titov, N. (2009). Use of virtual reality tasks to assess prospective memory: Applicability and evidence. Brain Impairment, 10(1), 3-13.

Journal - Research Article

Knight, R. G., McMahon, J., Skeaff, C. M., & Green, T. J. (2008). Normative data for persons over 65 on the Penn State Worry Questionnaire. New Zealand Journal of Psychology, 37(1), 4-9.

Journal - Research Article

Knight, R. G., Nicholls, J., & Titov, N. (2008). The effects of old age and distraction on the assessment of prospective memory in a simulated naturalistic environment. International Psychogeriatrics, 20(1), 124-134. doi: 10.1017/S1041610207005923

Journal - Research Article

Porter, R. J., Douglas, K., & Knight, R. G. (2008). Monitoring of cognitive effects during a course of electroconvulsive therapy: Recommendations for clinical practice. Journal of ECT, 24(1), 25-34.

Journal - Research Article

Robertson, R. H., & Knight, R. G. (2008). Evaluation of social problem solving after traumatic brain injury. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 18(2), 236-250. doi: 10.1080/09602010701734438

Journal - Research Article

Crawford, M. A., Knight, R. G., & Alsop, B. L. (2007). Speed of word retrieval in postconcussion syndrome. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 13, 178-182. doi: 10.10170S135561770707021X

Journal - Research Article

Knight, R. G., McMahon, J., Skeaff, C. M., & Green, T. J. (2007). Reliable Change Index scores for persons over the age of 65 tested on alternate forms of the Rey AVLT. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 22, 513-518.

Journal - Research Article

Farrimond, S., Knight, R. G., & Titov, N. (2006). The effects of aging on remembering intentions: Performance on a simulated shopping task. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 20, 533-555.

Journal - Research Article

Knight, R. G., McMahon, J., Green, T. J., & Skeaff, C. M. (2006). Regression equations for predicting scores of persons over 65 on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, the mini-mental state examination, the trail making test and semantic fluency measures. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 45, 393-402. doi: 10.1348/014466505X68032

Journal - Research Article

Knight, R. G., Titov, N., & Crawford, M. (2006). The effects of distraction on prospective remembering following traumatic brain injury assessed in a simulated naturalistic environment. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 12, 8-16.

Journal - Research Article

McMahon, J. A., Green, T. J., Skeaff, C. M., Knight, R. G., Mann, J. I., & Williams, S. M. (2006). A controlled trial of homocysteine lowering and cognitive performance. New England Journal of Medicine, 354(26), 2764-2772.

Journal - Research Article

Knight, R. G., Harnett, M., & Titov, N. (2005). The effects of traumatic brain injury on the predicted and actual performance of a test of prospective remembering. Brain Injury, 19(1), 19-27. doi: 10.1080/02699050410001720022

Journal - Research Article

Titov, N., & Knight, R. G. (2005). A computer-based procedure for assessing functional cognitive skills in patients with neurological injuries: The virtual street. Brain Injury, 19(5), 315-322. doi: 10.1080/02699050400013725

Journal - Research Article

Harnett, M. A., Godfrey, H. P. D., & Knight, R. G. (2004). Regression equations for predicting premorbid performance on executive test measures by persons with traumatic brain injuries. New Zealand Journal of Psychology, 33(2), 78-87.

Journal - Research Article

Keller-Olaman, S., Williams, S. M., Knight, R., & McGee, R. (2004). The self-rated health of women in midlife: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study of a New Zealand sample. New Zealand Journal of Psychology, 33(2), 68-77.

Journal - Research Article

Knight, R. G., McMahon, J., Green, T. J., & Skeaff, C. M. (2004). Some normative and psychometric data for the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire from a sample of healthy older persons. New Zealand Journal of Psychology, 33(3), 163-170.

Journal - Research Article

Linscott, R. J., & Knight, R. G. (2004). Potentiated automatic memory in schizotypy. Personality & Individual Differences, 37(7), 1503-1517.

Journal - Research Article

McDermott, K., & Knight, R. G. (2004). The effects of aging on a measure of prospective remembering using naturalistic stimuli. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 18, 349-362.

Journal - Research Article

Stanley, J., & Knight, R. G. (2004). Emotional specificity of startle potentiation during the early stages of picture viewing. Psychophysiology, 41, 935-940.

Journal - Research Article

Godfrey, H. P. D., Harnett, M. A., Knight, R. G., Marsh, N. V., Kesel, D. A., Partridge, F. M., & Robertson, R. H. (2003). Assessing distress in caregivers of people with a traumatic brain injury (TBI): A psychometric study of the Head Injury Behaviour Scale. Brain Injury, 17(5), 427-435.

Journal - Research Article

Smith, J. A., & Knight, R. G. (2002). Memory processing in Alzheimer's disease. Neuropsychologia, 40, 666-682.

Journal - Research Article

Linscott, R. J., & Knight, R. G. (2001). Automatic hypermnesia and impaired recollection in schizophrenia. Neuropsychology, 15(4), 576-585.

Journal - Research Article

Richards, R., McGee, R. O., & Knight, R. G. (2001). Sunburn and sun protection among New Zealand adolescents over a summer weekend. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 25(4), 352-354.

Journal - Research Article

Richards, R., McGee, R., & Knight, R. G. (2001). Sun protection practices, knowledge and attitudes to tans among New Zealand adolescents, 1991-1997. New Zealand Medical Journal, 114(1132), 229-231.

Journal - Research Article

O'Neill, K., Harkness, E. M., & Knight, R. G. (2000). Ratings of profile attractiveness after functional appliance treatment. American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, 118, 371-376.

Journal - Research Article

Titov, N., & Knight, R. G. (2000). A procedure for testing prospective remembering in persons with neurological impairments. Brain Injury, 14(10), 877-886.

Journal - Research Article

Ivory, S.-J., Knight, R. G., Longmore, B. E., & Caradoc-Davies, T. H. (1999). Verbal memory in non-demented patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Neuropsychologia, 37, 817-828.

Journal - Research Article

Knight, R. G. (1998). Controlled and automatic memory processing in Alzheimer's disease. Cortex, 34, 427-435.

Journal - Research Article

Knight, R. G., Devereux, R., & Godfrey, H. P. D. (1998). Caring for a family member with a traumatic brain injury. Brain Injury, 12, 467-481.

Journal - Research Article

Knight, R. G., Williams, S. M., McGee, R. O., & Olaman, S. J. (1998). Caregiving and well being in a sample of women in midlife. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 22, 616-620.

Journal - Research Article

Knight, R. G. (1997). The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised in clinical neuropsychology practice. New Zealand Journal of Psychology, 26(1), 2-19.

Journal - Research Article

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