Brain and Behaviour Research Group

Enhancing the performance and learning of skilled behaviour

We study the perceptual, cognitive and motor processes that underpin human skill development, control and learning.

The Brain and Behaviour Research Group take a multidisciplinary approach using methods from neurophysiology, biomechanics and experimental psychology to investigate two broad and related themes: 1) sensorimotor control of action; 2) expert performance and learning.

Sensorimotor control of action

Our research seeks to better understand the sensorimotor processes involved in typical and atypical (e.g., autism spectrum condition, stroke patients) human motor behaviour, with the intention to facilitate performance and learning across the lifespan.

Central to our projects is the detailed analysis of human movement across a range of scales from whole-body to upper limb fine motor control, as well as the underlying cognitive, visual, ocular and neural processes.

Our research is conducted in three co-located, purpose-built laboratories that are uniquely equipped for motion analysis (Vicon Nexus; Vicon Bonita; Optotrak 3D Investigator), high resolution eye movement registration and gaze tracking (Chronos Vision C-ETD, EyeLink 1000, BlueGain EOG;  Pupil Labs, Tobii), non-invasive brain imaging (Brainsight NIRS) and stimulation (Magstim BiStim; Brainbox neuroConn tDCS), electromyography (DelSys Bagnoli), and visual stimulus generation with high spatial and temporal resolution at near (ViewPixx EEG) or far space (Barco Graphics 908) and stimulation (Magstim BiStim; Brainbox neuroConn tDCS), electromyography (DelSys Bagnoli), and visual stimulus generation with high spatial and temporal resolution at near (ViewPixx EEG) or far space (Barco Graphics 908).

Virtual tour of brain and behaviour facilities
Explore the virtual tour of the labs

Expert performance and learning

Our goal is to improve the performance, training and learning of complex, dynamic tasks and domains through research, education and applied solutions.

Expert motor performance is required in most domains including sport, medicine, academia, business, music, law enforcement, teaching and firefighting, among many others. We seek to optimise the acquisition of expert performance in these domains using research evidence and cutting-edge technology.

For our research on issues such as expert anticipation and decision making, and quiet eye training, our lab has two life-size simulation video screens, head-free eye tracking systems (ASL Mobile Eye, ASL EYE-TRAC®5), motion analysis and digital video recording apparatus, and a video editing suite.

For assessment and intervention aimed at improving visual-cognitive function we use a range of software including PEBL, NIH Toolbox, Labvanced and FRACT.

Projects and collaborations

Selection of current projects

Gait and postural control

Oculomotor and oculomanual control

Adaptation to (simulated) visual impairment

Young Minds on the Move

Imitation Learning

Vision and Elite Sports Performance

Perceptual-cognitive expertise

Collaborations

Publications

View our publications.

People

You'll find our research staff profiles below.

Our postgraduate students are Lénaic Borot, Daniel Clowes, Gemma-Dudley Jones, Tom Page, Atle Rosseland and Pravin Ramachandran


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