Brain and Behavior Lab
Component of: The ANSRS project
Funding period: July 1, 2008-June 30, 2013
Funded by: National Institutes of Health
The Brain and Behavior Lab (BBL) at the Child and Family Center was established in 2006 to conduct laboratory-based research examining individual differences in brain processing that may contribute risk for self-regulatory failures and psychopathology among children and adolescents.
The highlight of the BBL is our state-of-the-art high-density electroencephalography (EEG) system, generously provided by Drs. Don Tucker and Phan Luu of Electrical Geodesics, Incorporated (EGI; Eugene, OR).
EEG is the recording of electrical activity from the brain using sensors placed on the scalp (similar to the sensors placed on the chest for an electrocardiogram [EKG] test). We use EEG to measure the brain’s response (generally referred to as an event-related potential, or ERP) to information such as pictures, sounds, or words, as well as to certain behaviors such as making a mistake on a computer game.
In addition to EEG recording, the BBL also uses behavioral (e.g., reaction time, accuracy) and questionnaire methods to assess individual differences, and we hope to also incorporate structured observations (e.g., parent–child interactions) into our future projects. Collecting EEG, behavioral, and observational data allows research that links individual differences in patterns of brain activity with the real-world characteristics and behaviors of children and adolescents. We are especially interested in the role of self-regulation in child and adolescent drug use and mental health.
Although the BBL is fairly new, it has produced noteworthy findings, and several are currently being prepared for publication. Projects to date have included examinations of error processing and response inhibition (go/no-go), conflict resolution and effortful control (the Attention Network Task [ANT]), self-concept development, selective attention, interhemispheric transfer time, contingency learning, reward/punishment sensitivity, risk taking, and social rejection.
The CFC BBL team includes Dr. Kristi Racer, Dr. Thomas Dishion, Abbey Gamache (lab coordinator), and Monica Murray, Tony Lyman, Alex Evans, Erin Mahoney, and Danielle Henretta (education project assistants).
The BBL is looking for talented graduate and undergraduate research assistants. Interested in joining our team? Contact Dr. Racer at kdhiatt@uoregon.edu or 541-346-4531.
For more information about the BBL: Dr. Kristi Racer, kdhiatt@uoregon.edu or 541-346-4531.
