Experimental Laboratories: Biobehavioral

Abstract

Laboratories for the experimental investigation of human cognition and behavior (perception, memory, judgment, sensorimotor behavior, etc.) are part of the Departments of Psychology in most universities and also exist in some other research institutions, most notably brain research institutes. In these laboratories, researchers examine psychological, psychophysiological, and neuropsychological hypotheses. The facilities enable the presentation of tests under controlled conditions (e.g., detection of sounds, recognition of faces, motor reactions to lights), and the measurement of performance, subjective experience, and physiological (hormonal, neurological) states. Some laboratories conduct experiments with groups of humans. The researchers study social structures and processes (e.g., factors affecting group coherence, centralized versus decentralized organization, communication). Especially in Economics and Social Science Departments, experimental games involving cooperation and competition within groups are arranged to investigate strategic bargaining in simulated decision-making situations. Currently, experiments on human cognition and social behavior are presented on the Internet and attract large numbers of participants. Laboratories for experimental research on animal cognition and behavior have been established in some Psychology and Biology Departments of universities as well as in other research institutions. Research in these laboratories is typically limited to individual behavior of small animals (rodents, birds, etc.) and has traditionally placed its emphasis on learning. For the study of larger animals, particularly those who are genetically more similar to humans (monkeys, dolphins), animal stations have been founded. Among the psychological problems investigated are intelligence and language, social organization, and the impact of psychosocial stress. Private foundations and governmental agencies predominantly fund animal stations.