Scientific Tours

The conference program included six tours of the premier behavioral research facilities in and around the University of Groningen.

• Department of Animal Physiology [rats]. Demonstration of the use of radiotelemetry systems for heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature combined with behavioral recording in rats in a number of test situations, including social groups in large colony cages. Use of color video tracking to establish social hierarchy in groups of rats.

• Department of Animal Physiology [insects]. Demonstration of chemoperception research in insects (wind tunnel, actometers, electrophysiology).

• Department of Behavioral Biology and Chronobiology. Demonstration of combined recording of behavior and physiology in field situations using data logger systems. Methods for recording circadian rhythms and sleep EEG in several animal species and humans in a time-free environment.

• Department of Experimental Psychology. Demonstration of the use of a car driving simulator for the purpose of traffic behavior research. Use of computerized cognitive tasks in combination with ECG and EEG recordings.

• PET Center. Demonstration of the use of Positron Emission Tomography and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging and related techniques in cognition and neurolinguistic research.

• KPN Research. Visit of the usability laboratory of the research division of KPN, the national telecommunications company of the Netherlands. In this laboratory, observational techniques are used to evaluate the interaction between users and prototypes of new products. This tour was of particular interest for human factors psychologists and cognitive ergonomists.