Facilities
The NLD-lab plans to offer a wide variety of state-of-the-art biometric tools to improve research related to human learning and development. Considering this is a new initiative, lab use is currently restricted to core team members to allow procedures to solidify and expertise to build up. Faculty interested in future collaborations, or integrating the facility in grant proposals, should contact the lab director.
Lab Space
NLD Lab
- Sound-proof,
- Temperature collected, and
- Protected from electromagnetic interference.
Our two control rooms allow researchers to closely monitor test subjects. A shared analysis space features high-end computers for specialized processing and analysis of large amounts of complex biometric data. Designated lab computers connect to high capacity storage servers, located in a secure location for safety, data-integrity, and back up purposes.Our lab space is large enough to host workshops or demonstrations with up to 15 people. Contact us for more information.
Electroencephalography System (EEG)
EEG Lab
Our lab is equipped with a dense array (128 electrode) electroencephalography (EEG) system (Net Amps 400) as provided by EGI. This system was chosen because it is among the most participant-friendly on the market and can even be used – without discomfort or risk – on babies. The nets are saline-based (e.g., uses damp sponges), which reduce application times to under 15 minutes. We have recording nets in several sizes, allowing us to do research on young children as well as adults.
EEG measures tiny changes in bioelectric fields picked up by electrodes that rest on the outside of your head. The signal is generated by the simultaneous activation of large amounts of organized (pyramidal) neurons from your brain. Due to the organized nature of the cortex, EEG is mostly sensitive to cortical activation. The strength of the EEG technique lies in its temporal resolution which allows researchers to measure changes in neural activation with a millisecond precision. Under the right experimental conditions, EEG activation can be related to subtle cognitive processes that occur within the blink of an eye. This makes EEG a unique technique to study neural activity underlying rapid cognitive processes such as response inhibition, attentional control, and decision making. EEG, however, is also used to study several mental processes ranging from working memory to language.
EEG Data Methods
Many analytical methods can be applied on EEG data (often conducted in MATLAB), such as:
- Event Related Potentials (ERP) – ERPs represent averaged waveforms time-locked in response to a particular event. Within a particular experimental context, the latency and amplitude of certain ‘waves’ can relate to cognitive processes.
- Brain Oscillatory Power – The brain is much like an orchestra with several neural populations firing synchronously with various different oscillations; some fast and some slow (in Hz). Using analytical techniques, we can estimate the power of (changes in) specific oscillations which relate to cognition and behavior.
- Source Analyses – Due to the high amount of electrodes in our system (e.g., 128 electrodes), we can also conduct a source analysis, which can provide a rough estimate of where in the brain activity takes place.
Wearable Biofeedback
Spire
The Spire is a small, noninvasive device that clips on an individuals pants or bra and measures the breathing patterns of the wearer. Information on the breath is then used to give you real-time feedback through a light buzzing of the device and a notification message on your phone. For example, wearers can receive a message when their breathing is indicative of a pattern that, for example, reflects tension. The app that comes with the device aims to coach wearers towards a more healthy lifestyle.
The Spire device can also notify wearers when they are inactive as it can track your steps and estimate the amount of calories burned. Custom reminders can be set that will nudge wearers when they’ve been inactive.
Biopac Systems
NLD Biopac Systems
The Biopac MP150 System is a device able to measure changes in your physiology under controlled experimental conditions. We currently have three modules to our system:
- ECG (Electrocardiogram): to measure heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory sinus arrthmia, impedance cardiography.
- EDA (Electrodermal activity): to measure changes in skin conductance.
- Respiration: to measure changes in breathing patterns.
These changes in physiology can be useful in research focusing on emotions or stress because these processes often result in changes in physiology. The different modules can be used seperately or in combination with other modules or systems (even our EEG system, if needed).
Polysomnograph System
NLD Polysomnograph Systems
- EEG indices to determine neural sleep architecture
- Oculography for eye movement
- Breathing indices (e.g., respiration bands, nasal cannula)
- Cardiovascular measures (e.g., Oximeter, heart rate)
- Electromyography sensors for legs and chin
- Tracheal microphone
Eye Tracking
Eyelink 1000 Plus
The Eyelink 1000 Plus is considered as one of the most accurate, precise, and reliable eye trackers on the market. The eye tracker can be used to measure the location and timing of people’s looking behavior. In addition, they can also measure pupil size. The eye tracker can be used in research that, for example, involves reading, emotion, and attention.
