Physiology - ELABORAZIONE DEL SEGNALE (2010/2011)

Learning outcomes

During the course we will examine the main methods for data collection and signal processing used in basic and applied physiological research, as well as the theoretical reference models. With particular regard to the domain of cognitive neuroscience, we will consider different experimental contexts and for each some real study cases will be discussed.

• Analysis of behavioral indexes – Fundamentals of psychometrics: Psychometric curves. Signal Detection Theory (SDT). Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC). Discriminability index d’ and criterion β.
• Analysis of behavioral indexes – Eye movements: Recording and analysis of eye movement data. The experimental contexts in which eye movements should be measured. Saccade detection. Exploration of complex scenes.
• Psychophysiological indexes: Skin conductance response. Cardiovascular and respiratory reactions. Pupillary responses.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) and event-related potentials (ERPs): Signal recording and data processing. Spectral analysis. Source localization. Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and component analysis.
• Single and multi-unit recording: The action potential. The electrode. Discrimination of action potentials. Local field potential (LFP). Interactions between neurons and areas: correlation and coherence analysis.

Oral examination