Labs
Animal Behavior Lab
Dr. Donna Hardy, Director
SH 360A
In the Animal Behavior Lab, we use noninvasive methods. Unethical and harmful treatment of the animals is not tolerated. We are interested in observing animal behavior, not in creating conditions that would cause distress or harm to our animals. The lab is commonly used for Psy 401, where students will gain experience working with guinea pigs and rats under many experimental conditions.
Our Motto is to not hurt animals in any way.
For more information, e-mail Dr. Donna Hardy
The Brain and Behavior laboratory in the department of Psychology provides CSUN Psychology majors with classroom and research experiences that are rarely available to undergraduate or Master's level students.
The laboratory is equipped with 12 high-level, Pentium class data acquisition and analysis stations linked to sophisticated hardware that allows the recording of virtually any physiological signal. Students can record and analyze the following physiological measures under a variety of experimental conditions.
Biological Psychology Lab
Dr. Brennis Lucero-Wagoner, Director
SH 374
- brain activity (EEG or event-related potentials)
- heart rate (EKG)
- muscle activity (EMG)
- skin conductance (EDA)
- blood pressure
- respiration
- skin temperature
In addition, experiments involving biofeedback may also be conducted.
All physiological recordings are made non-intrusively by placing sensors on the surface of the body or skull. Acquisition of the physiological measures is under the control of BIOPAC instrumentation and software. Superlab software controls the presentation of stimuli and the recording of behavioral data such as reaction time.
While the laboratory primarily supports PSY 402L, the Brain and Behavior laboratory course, the laboratory and its equipment is available for independent study projects, Master's thesis projects, or to students assisting faculty research.
For more information, e-mail Dr. Lucero-Wagoner
Cognitive Lab
Dr. Jill Quilici, Director
SH 363
Welcome to the Cognitive Lab! Every great university psychology department needs a cognitive lab for its students. We have the experience of bringing cognitive research to undergraduate and graduate students and introducing the possibilities within this popular field of research.
The lab contains computers and a printer that give students the ability to use necessary software for conducting experiments in cognitive psychology, where measurement of reaction time and computer responses are required. This software allows for stimulus creation, stimulus presentation, response recording, and data analysis.
The lab is used for Psy 403 classes, which can help students gain access to information and prepare for graduate school in cognitive psychology.
For more information, e-mail Dr. Quilici
Human Factors Lab Facility
Dr. Shannon Morgan, Director
SH 389
The Human Factors Lab supports research, development and interactive instruction in advanced topics of human factors psychology.
Faculty Projects
Faculty in the human factors program engage students in research in their areas of specialty. Current examples include:
- Dr. Jay Holden is investigating the effects of video-assisted surgery on operator's skilled motor movements through the use of a simulated surgery station.
- Dr. Shannon Morgan is evaluating the user interfaces to common consumer -oriented medical devices. By classifying the nature/magnitude of operator errors, her research will inform future product design.
- Dr. Tyler Blake is assessing alternative techniques for distance and computer-mediated instruction. The project will generate human factors requirements for media-enhanced instructional methods for varying content material and specific user groups.
Lab Facilities
In addition to PC workstations equipped with statistical and research-related software, the lab has a touch screen system that can be used to prototype kiosk displays (e.g. ATMs, Public Information Displays). A driving simulator is also available which uses Systems Technology, Inc. simulation software. In addition to conducting research with the simulator, students collaborate with students from the Computer Science department to create new features and tools for conducting behavioral research on driving.
Students are encouraged to develop projects that relate to their personal career goals. Other hardware and software systems are used to support these specific student research interests
Statistics Lab
Managed by Valdis Volkovskis
SH 341
The statistics lab is composed of 25 workstations with SPSS and other statistical programs. Many statistics classes are held in the lab. Open lab hours with a consultant present are also offered so students can gain experience, complete assignments, run analyses on their experiments, and receive assistance interpreting results.
Consulting / open lab hours are listed on the following lab schedule. Students who need to meet with the consultant but cannot attend open lab hours may also arrange an appointment by contacting the consultant, Ani Aharonian.
Free Psy 320 tutoring is also available in SH 306 during certain hours.