George J. Spilich - US grants

This is a request for a cognitive neuroscience research facility comprised of a topographic EEG/EP mapper that would permit our faculty to engage in state of the art research in cognitive neuroscience. The essence of this proposal is that measurement of electrophysiology provides an avenue for performing basic research on the question of how the brain processes information. In addition, a computer workstation is requested to permit faculty and students to engage in the off-line analysis and editing of the data which will result from faculty-student collaborative research. As our faculty are already heavily engaged in research with undergraduates that leads to co-authored presentations and publications and our majors are required to generate their own in their senior year, this instrumentation will be heavily used.

The curriculum in psychology has traditionally enjoyed a heavy emphasis on faculty student interaction. However, the laboratories have not kept pace with the state of the field. This project is broadening the emphasis on interactive learning while enabling students to explore issues which are topical and current. Through the introduction of an eye-movement laboratory, the laboratory components in cognitive, sensation and perception, social psychology, industrial psychology, health psychology, and human factors are all being dramatically enhanced while the year-long introductory course is being greatly improved. This equipment is having an exciting effect on student faculty collaborative research, as well as the Senior Research Thesis requirement, by opening up concepts and techniques that were previously inaccessible. *