PSY 391: EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES IN HUMAN NEUROSCIENCE

This 4-credit laboratory course reviews the utility, strengths, and weaknesses of leading tools and techniques used to study human neuroscience. Specifically, the course examines electroencephalography (EEG), event related potentials (ERP), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and measures of autonomic nervous system activity (heart rate variability and skin conductance). Students are encouraged - and challenged - to think about the implications of using these tools to understand human neuroscience. Is the activity recorded by these tools predictive or responsive to human thought and behavior? Do particular patterns of brain activity reliably predict atypical or abnormal outcomes? When are neuroscientific methodologies necessary? In the accompanying laboratory section of this course (PSY 391L), students acquire hands-on experience collecting and analyzing data obtained with many of these tools. Students apply the knowledge acquired in lecture and lab to develop and test research questions, collect and analyze data, and communicate results in written (APA-formatted research paper) and oral formats.