OVERVIEW

The laboratory occupies two rooms in the Robert C. Brown complex on the north side of SFU campus. This space houses two sound-attenuated chambers, as well as separate areas for subject preparation, data collection, and analysis. One chamber (called the VER) is used to conduct visual experiments, and the other chamber (called the XER) is used to conduct auditory, tactile, and crossmodal experiments.

EQUIPMENT

We record brain electricity using multiple electrodes that are placed on the scalps of our human volunteers. The electrodes are mounted in elastic caps so that they can be positioned on the scalp quickly and consistently. Our electrode caps (Electro-Cap International) are made of a spandex-type fabric and contain over 64 electrodes recessed in plastic casings.

The electrical signals measured by the electrodes are amplified by multichannel bioelectric amplifiers (SA Instrumentation) and are then converted to digital format and stored on the computer.

Sensory stimuli are controlled by a separate computer. This computer sends event codes to the acquisition computer whenever a stimulus is delivered or a response is made by a participant. In the VER, visual stimuli are displayed on a 19-inch monitor. In the XER, visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli are displayed using a custom audiovisual apparatus and custom somatosensory stimulators (Analog Concepts). The audiovisual apparatus is capable of delivering sounds and lights from 55 loudspeakers and 55 light-emitting-diode displays that are arranged in a semicircular arc. The somatosensory stimulators are capable of delivering tactile stimuli without any electrical or auditory noise.

SOFTWARE

The list below provides an overview of the tools that we use to run experiments, record EEG, and analyze data. Please visit Dr. McDonald's software website to find out more about our custom acquisition software or to download the software for yourself.