Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

As we shift our attention around our world, we frequently move our eyes. Taking measurements of these eye movements helps us learn about what information people are paying attention to in the world. Our team has used eye tracking recordings to examine how prior knowledge, predictions and assumptions about the world affect attention, eye movement guidance, and prioritization of information across a number of tasks. For 15 years, this eye tracking system has provided the HQP training and data for all lab research. While this system has supported a thriving research program, it has reached a point of compromised functioning that is curtailing the advancement of our research. This proposal details the request for funds necessary to purchase a state-of-the-art, integrated eye tracking (Eyelink, SR Research) and Electroencephalography or EEG (BrainVision) co-registration recording system for synchronous measurement and analysis. This system will provide the necessary components to be able to simultaneously record and co-register both EEG and eye movements as well as any participant input (e.g., ongoing cognitive tasks). This equipment will not only update currently outdated equipment, but will also allow us to capitalize on new developments in recording and analyzing real-time data to extend our research and expand training of HQP to include more leading-edge approaches to further our theoretical understanding of attention and cognitive processing of our visual environment. Our current system, which has been supported by three NSERC Discovery grants since 2008, has supported 21 undergraduate theses, 11 Masters theses, and 5 PhD dissertations, as well as providing training for over 100 research assistants, and has fostered collaborations within the university, across Canada, and across the world. This infrastructure supports a diverse and inclusive range of HQP, almost all of whom have been women and who receive the highest level of training to support their emerging careers. The impact of this research program is very strong and it includes HQP in the lab, as well as HQP in the department, across the university, and around the world. The requested equipment is vital for making sure that we can push beyond what we have accomplished so far. As the field of cognitive science and cognitive neuroscience evolves, it is crucial to provide HQP with market-relevant skills. This new equipment will significantly enhance their research skills in both cognitive behavioural paradigms as well as in the collection and analysis of dynamic brain imaging. This equipment is foundational to our training, producing technically proficient students, making them highly qualified for a wide range of positions in both academia and industry.