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Research Tools


Polysomnography (PSG)

The newest study method in the lab is PSG (short for polysomnography), a type of electrode similar to our ERP caps (see below). PSG visualizes and recors sleepwave activity in participants' brains while they nap, based off factors like neural activity and eye and chin movement. Read this JoVE article for a detailed protocol on how it is done.






Verbal and Behavior Recall

We use verbal and nonverbal (i.e., behavioral) measures to assess memory. Behavioral methods typically involve using novel objects to produce a sequence of actions that the participant imitates after a delay or playing memory games.






Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

In studies with adults, adolescents, and children we use fMRI, which is a special type of scan that allows us to see changes in blood flow to regions of the brain related to neural activity.








Event-related potentials (ERPs)

We use specialized caps with recording sensors sewn inside to record electrical activity of the brain from the surface of the scalp. These tiny electrical signals are always present on the scalp. Specialized caps, such as the ones below, allow us to record changes in these signals in response to events in the environment.