Research

PROJECTS

foundcog

ERC foundations of cognition

THE INFANT BRAIN AND MIND

Understanding the emergence of cognition

Neuroimaging methods

Developing neuroimaging methods

METHODS

The Cusack Lab uses a diverse range of methods.

Measuring behaviour
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Measuring attention and looking behaviour is a commonly used method in infant research. By observing whether infants have more interest in one picture or sequence of pictures over another we can investigate how they are learning. In addition to our studies in the lab environment, our research team also measures attention and looking behaviour online via a webcam. This allows caregivers to participate in our studies in their own time, and from the comfort of their own home. 

Measuring brain development

By measuring how the brain develops, we can better understand many aspects of infants’ development and behaviour. One method to measure brain activity is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI scan is taken in a large machine that is shaped like a tunnel; this is a safe method of scanning and there are no known dangers associated with it. We use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to see what areas of the brain are active and communicating with each other when infants are experiencing different things.  With this method, we are able to investigate how the brain responds to information at various moments along its developmental timecourse. 

Assessing development
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Psychologists and physicians often assess child development by using standardised developmental scales. In our studies we often make use of these scales for a more complete picture of infants’ skills and behaviour. 

Questionnaires
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Caregivers can provide us with invaluable information through parental questionnaires. To get a better idea of how infants behave in daily life, we may for example ask caregivers about their child’s reaction to specific situations, their child’s development of motor skills or language, the sleeping and feeding patterns. In addition, we may ask caregivers to fill out a questionnaire about themselves. Whether you are invited for one or more questionnaires depends on the specific study in which you participate. 

Building theories with computational models
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With the results of our studies, we create computational models of infant learning to help us build theories of development. These theories often form the basis for the next study, or may be beneficial to the field of artificial intelligence. Can we use the results of infant research to improve deep learning mechanisms and to progress machine learning towards more human-like learning?

Tracking development
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To track development changes over time, some of our studies are longitudinal. This means that caregivers are asked to participate in the same study at multiple time points. In this way, we are able to investigate the differences between different age groups in the same group of infants. Before participating in a study, you will always be informed about the procedure and whether the study is longitudinal. 

​Brainhack Ireland 2018

Thank you to everyone that came to Brainhack Ireland from May 2-4 @ Huckletree, Dublin!