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October 29, 2021

Welcome Meeting

November 5, 2021

Method: Event history analysis & micro-level SAT analysis

Speaker: Sven Panis (RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau)

Abstract:
To avoid the problem of model mimicry when testing different models of the same psychological phenomenon, and to more easily relate behavior to ongoing neural changes, it is crucial to have a diagnostic longitudinal description of behavior. An established method to statistically describe and model time-to event (e.g., response times, saccade latencies, fixation durations, etc.) is event history analysis, a.k.a. survival analysis, duration analysis, failure-time analysis, transition analysis, and hazard analysis. The hazard function of event occurrence optimally describes whether and when events occur. For discrimination data, the hazard analysis can be extended with a micro-level speed-accuracy tradeoff analysis. After discussing how to set up a life table and calculate the descriptive statistics in discrete time, I will illustrate how people behave longitudinally in various popular paradigms (visual search, masked priming, exogenous cueing, 2-rectangle paradigm, flanker paradigm, global/local matching, manual stroop task, combined Simon/Stroop task) and discuss commonly emerging processing principles (overt response priming due to task-irrelevant information, time-locking of effects to stimuli when manipulating SOA, reactive control in the form of active and selective response suppression).

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November 19, 2021

Method: An Introduction to Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)

Speaker: Christoph Giehl (RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau)

Abstract:
In this overviewing lecture the basics and principles of SEM are presented. The aim is to provide a basic understanding of the process so that results can be interpreted correctly. Topics such as maximum likelihood estimation, the specification of models using (matrix-)algebra, the logic of latent variable models and the logic of path modeling are dealt with.

December 3, 2021

Method: Virtual Reality in Cognitive Science

Speakers: Omar Jurban & Felix Hekele (RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau)

Abstract:
Advances and easier accessibility of virtual reality (VR) technology are opening up new opportunities for researchers to conduct laboratory experiments under more ecologically valid yet controlled conditions. In our talk we would like to introduce different methods of using VR to conduct experiments. We present preliminary results from different studies and try to illustrate that VR can be a viable medium for conducting psychological experiments. Lastly we will discuss the possibility of using VR controllers to replace keyboards in future experiments as well as give an overview over future VR prospects in the lab.

December 17, 2021

Method: Neural mechanisms of visual categorization

Speaker: Ann-Kathrin Beck (RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau)

Abstract:
The ability to categorize is a fundamental cognitive skill for animals, including human beings. Our lives would be utterly confusing without categories. We would feel overwhelmed or miss out on important aspects of our environment if we would perceive every single entity as one-of-a-kind. Therefore, categorization is of great importance for perception, learning, remembering, decision making, performing an action, certain aspects of social interaction, and reasoning. The seemingly effortless and instantaneous ability to transform sensory information into meaningful categories determines the success for interacting with our environment. However, the apparent ease with which we use categorization and categories conceals the complexity of the underlying brain processing that makes categorization and categorical representations possible. Therefore, the question arises: how are categorical information encoded and represented in the brain?

January 28, 2022

Titel: Hormones and behavior – a virtual tour to the biochemical laboratory

Speaker: Maria Meier (University of Konstanz)

Abstract: Hormones are important messengers in our body and influence our behavior. As a stress researcher, I will show you how hormones can be measured in the biochemical laboratory, using cortisol as an example. In addition, I will outline what to consider when planning, carrying out or interpreting results of experiments in which hormones are measured.