The Use of fNIRS in Developmental Psychology
Session Number
Project ID: BIO 05
Advisor(s)
Dr. Amanda Seccia, University of Chicago
Discipline
Biology
Start Date
20-4-2022 10:45 AM
End Date
20-4-2022 11:00 AM
Abstract
During the course of this research project, we study how children of young ages solve simple math problems, along with identifying their exact thought process and ideas. One of the prominent things researchers observe are gestures. What is it about gesturing that makes it such an effective tactic for mankind? Why is gesturing so prominent in human nature? In order to tackle questions like this, we focus our research on looking into what exactly is going on in a child’s brain when they are gesturing. We provide children with math equivalent problems to see how their brain reacts and what exactly is going on when solving these problems. It was found that using an fNIRS device was very beneficial. fNIRS is a relatively new neuroimaging tool that is easy to use for children and relatively non-invasive compared to other neuroimaging techniques. On a rather scientific level, the fNIRS device measures hemodynamic responses (oxygen levels in the brain). It was discovered that the more cognitive energy required for a task, the more oxygen is required to be metabolized by brain tissue. In other words, the harder a task is, the more oxygen is needed.
The Use of fNIRS in Developmental Psychology
During the course of this research project, we study how children of young ages solve simple math problems, along with identifying their exact thought process and ideas. One of the prominent things researchers observe are gestures. What is it about gesturing that makes it such an effective tactic for mankind? Why is gesturing so prominent in human nature? In order to tackle questions like this, we focus our research on looking into what exactly is going on in a child’s brain when they are gesturing. We provide children with math equivalent problems to see how their brain reacts and what exactly is going on when solving these problems. It was found that using an fNIRS device was very beneficial. fNIRS is a relatively new neuroimaging tool that is easy to use for children and relatively non-invasive compared to other neuroimaging techniques. On a rather scientific level, the fNIRS device measures hemodynamic responses (oxygen levels in the brain). It was discovered that the more cognitive energy required for a task, the more oxygen is required to be metabolized by brain tissue. In other words, the harder a task is, the more oxygen is needed.