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Labs

measuring gaze movement with eyetracking
measuring gaze movement with eyetracking

Eyetracking Lab

In cognitive science, as a cluster of psychology at Potsdam University, psychologists, physicists, computer scientists, linguists, mathematicians, and biologists do interdisciplinary research on topics regarding perception, memory, language, emotion and other cognitive processes.

At eyelab, we mainly investigate visual, occulomotor and linguistic processes. For instance reading, shifts of attention and working memory are being explored. Mathematical and computational models are developed, which allow for the comparison of real data with theoretical predictions. Video on Youtube about our EyeLab.

Example publication with eyetracking: https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0001140

measuring gaze movement with eyetracking
measuring gaze movement with eyetracking

EEG & TMS Lab

Our EEG & TMS lab is located at Campus New Palais. In this lab, we conduct our neuroscientific research.

EEG
EEG

 

EEG

We use an electroencephalogram (EEG) to record brain oscillations in our test persons.

Example publication with EEG: http://doi.org/10.5334/joc.148

EEG
EEG
TMS
TMS

 

TMS

With transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) we stimulate our research participants' cortex to investigate functional cognitive relationships.

Example publication with TMS: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bandc.2019.105510

TMS
TMS

EMG
EMG

Electromyography

With electromyography (EMG) we measure the natural electrical activity of a muscle. This allows us to draw conclusions about muscle potentials and the underlying cognitive mechanisms.

EMG
EMG

grip force sensors
Photo: eigene Aufnahme
grip force sensors

Grip Force Measure

The goal of the Motor Lab is to understand the role of the human motor system in cognition. We use bimanual grip force recording, mouse tracking and touch screen technology in order to investigate a wide range of cognitive phenomena from basic ones, such as perception-action coupling, to the higher-level cognition – numerical and mathematical cognition, language processing, including abstract and idiomatic language, conceptual understanding of time, and processing of emotional information.

Example publication with grip force measure: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2020.590508

grip force sensors
Photo: eigene Aufnahme
grip force sensors

motion tracking
motion tracking

Motion Tracking

In our labs, we measure the movements of our participants, for example the movement of the hands in a decision-making task on numerical cognition.

motion tracking
motion tracking

Physiological Methods Laboratory

In our labs, we measure physiological correlates of cognition, such as heart rate variability, respiratory rate, and skin conductance.

HRV
HRV

 

Heart Rate Measurement

We measure the heart rate and determine the variability of the heart rate (HRV) in order to investigate correlations with cognitive processes. We use chest belts, wrist watches and finger measurements (oximeters).

HRV
HRV
measuring breathing frequency
measuring breathing frequency

 

Breathing Measurement

We measure the breathing rate of our test participants with a breathing belt while they perform cognitive tasks.

Example publication with breathing measurement: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-021-06147-z

measuring breathing frequency
measuring breathing frequency

GSR
GSR

 

Skin Conductance

Skin conductance / galvanic skin response (GSR) is another physiological method we use to investigate the relationship between cognitive mechanisms and physical phenomena.

Example publication with skin conductance: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-021-00749-x

GSR
GSR

VR Brille
Photo: eigene Aufnahme
VR goggles

 

Virtual Reality Lab

In this lab, we use a HTC Vive to test predictions abouth theories on Embodied Cognition.

Review article about vitrual reality: https://doi.org/10.1515/icom-2018-0042

VR Brille
Photo: eigene Aufnahme
VR goggles

measuring reaction time; picture: Anna Matheja
measuring reaction time; picture: Anna Matheja

Further Labs

Our group also uses computer-based testings in room 14.4.28 and 14.5.07. An example is reaction time measurement. Test participants for instance respond to stimuli presented to them visually on the computer screen by pressing a button.

Example publication with reaction measurement: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-16730-1

measuring reaction time; picture: Anna Matheja
measuring reaction time; picture: Anna Matheja