Our vision is gaining better understanding of the mechanisms of social perception and their aberrations in mental disorders. To this end, our projects deal with the investigation of psychophysiological processes. For this purpose, we use the following measuring equipment and laboratories:
MRT - Laboratory
Equipment
3T Siemens MAGNETOM Skyra
Location of the laboratory: Kliniken Schmieder Allensbach, Germany
Application
Thanks to our cooperation with the rehabilitation centre "Kliniken Schmieder" and the "Lurija Institute" we are able to use this non-invasive technique for scientific research. The spatial reconstruction of the brain areas is determined by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is an imaging technique that makes it possible to visualize changes in the blood flow in brain areas. These changes in blood flow can be attributed to metabolic processes associated with neuronal activity in the brain.
We use fMRI in a variety of ways to study the activation of subcortical regions, such as nucleus accumbens and the amygdala, as well as cortical regions, such as the posterior temporal lobe and inferior frontal gyrus, in mental processes, such as decision making and theory of mind.
EEG - Laboratory
Equipment
ANT WaveGuard 128-Channel EEG-Caps (CAP-128HSD) and
different EEG systems (ANT Neuro, Hengelo, Netherlands; BRAIN PRODUCTS, Gilching, Germany)
Application
Neurons produce electrical signals that can be measured on the surface of the scalp as electrical activity of the brain. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive examination method in which these voltage fluctuations are recorded by electrodes arranged in a specific pattern on the head´s surface. EEG allows the activity fluctuations of the nerve cells to be recorded and analysed during different behavioural tasks of the participants, hence conclusions can be drawn regarding the underlying information processing in the brain.
Here we investigate e.g. mu-suppression during emotion recognition as an indicator for mirror neuron activity.
TMS – Laboratory
Equipment
TMS system (ANT Neuro, Hengelo, Netherlands; Magstim Co Ltd., Whitland, UK)
Application
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a new method that uses strong magnetic fields to both, stimulate and inhibit areas of the brain. When applying TMS, a magnetic coil is held over the head of the participant. The coil generates a magnetic field that sends impulses through the skullcap into the brain, creating electrical currents in the brain. These currents in turn excite the nerve cells located in this area. Depending on which area of the brain is stimulated, the pulse can influence the senses or motor functions, for example. As a low-frequency variant, TMS makes it possible to inhibit the activity of overexcited brain areas. These methods, also combined with EEG, allow an insight into the sequence of neuronal processes.
We are currently using TMS to investigate on the role of the posterior temporal lobe for social cognition.
Peripheral physiology – Laboratory
Equipment
Reusable lead electrodes and MP160WSW Amplifier for EDA, ECG, EOG, RSP, EMG (BIOPAC Systems, Inc., Goleta, USA)
Application
Our nervous system is divided into (i) the central nervous system (CNS) with spinal cord and brain, (ii) the peripheral nervous system with nerve connections between the central nervous system and the body's periphery, and (iii) the autonomous nervous system. The autonomous or autonomic nervous system is of particular interest for the study of emotional processes, since the two antagonists sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems control the involuntary regulation of our body, such as heartbeat, respiration or our metabolism. Since the sympathetic nervous system mainly increases performance ability and, especially under stress, causes an increase in skin conductivity (EDA), pulse rate, heart rate (ECG) and respiratory rate, the detection of these parameters can make body excitation and the underlying emotions visible.
In our studies we make use of these phenomena to e.g. investigate which emotion regulation strategies are effective in reducing negative or increasing positive emotions.
