Tools We Use

Here is a quick recap of the various scientific tools that are the backbones of much of our rigorous research work. 

NEUROIMAGING: FMRI 

We use fMRI to understand the neural mechanisms that support memory retrieval and the way these mechanisms are implicated in other forms of retrieval, from planning to problem solving.

eye tracking

We use eye tracking to capture how information is encoded and retrieved. With this tool, we can investigate how different states, like emotion or stress, influence memory functioning. 

TemporaRY BRAIN LESIONS

We use brain stimulation techniques like transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as well as behavioural techniques to simulate 'cognitive lesions'. This allows us to determine how inhibiting certain brain processes affects memory performance and related tasks, such as empathy. 

BEHAVIOURAL TESTING

The basis of much of cognitive psychology is a strong experimental design. For many of our studies, we use behavioural testing to learn more about the mechanisms of memory and test new theories and models.

PATIENT POPULATIONS

We test individuals with lesions to particular areas of their brain to get a better understanding of how these brain regions help us remember. We also hope this work will help direct future therapeutic decisions for the tested populations.

INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES

Although it is well known that people recall memories in different ways, the exact mechanisms that underly these differences are not known. To discover these mechanisms, we test people’s range in ability to recover the past. We also test expert populations, such as people who excel in imagery (e.g., visual artists) to see how these processes affect memory.