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Macquarie Centre for Cognitive Science

Action and Cognition Lab

TMS System in labThe MACCS Action Lab employs natural human movements such as reaching and grasping as measures in various tasks investigating cognitive processes. These sorts of movements can be quantified to yield continuous datasets that are useful to researchers in the study of human cognition. Continuous data potentially constitutes a much richer data source than discrete measures (i.e. reaction times captured on a button press task). Where discrete measures reflect the culmination of several stages of information processing, a continuous measure has the potential to reveal these processes as they unfold in real time. The goal of the lab is to harness these measures to further our understanding of aspects of cognition such as attention, subliminal processing and perceptual decision making.

Follow the links below to learn more about our lab, researchers and current projects:

Information for Undergraduate Students

Psychology undergraduate students who are interested in Cognitive Research are encouraged to apply for the MACCS Volunteer Internship Program. Volunteers attend the centre for around 7-10 hours per week to aid PhD students and Senior Researchers in participant recruitment, experimental testing and data analysis. The program is a great opportunity for students considering Honours to gain hands-on research experience in a variety of exciting Cognition fields. Interested applicants should forward their CV and current academic transcript to matthew.finkbeiner@mq.edu.au

NB. Intern selection has been finalised for Semester 1, 2011.

The Action Lab Researchers also accept Psychology Honours students. Review the list of Action lab researchers to learn more about their research interests.

Subject with Optotrack markers attached responding to visual stimuli

Subject with Optotrack markers attached responding to visual stimuli