This award provides funds for a new venture in computer- controlled experimental laboratory courses which completes a biological psychology track consisting of physiological psychology, behavioral neurochemistry, neuropsychology, and psychophysiology. Students will design, run, analyze and write up neuropsychological experiments on a Macintosh II computer. Experiments with the major perceptual functions of the cortex, attention and memory as well as higher reasoning functions will complement the focus on motivation and habitat and autonomic learning systems in the other biological psychology courses. A broad exposure to the instrumentation of experimental neuropsychology is aimed for, with experiments involving dichotic listening techniques, tachistoscope methods, computer-controlled assessment of attention and memory, as well as traditional paper and pencil methods of neuropsychology. The project focusses on teaching experimental methods and proposes that new assessments of the spatial distribution of attention will be created on the Macintosh II computer. The Macintosh software Hypercard will be used to create a laboratory manual and an environment where the student can interact with the computer without special knowledge of computers. Cumulative data collection and storage procedures as well as course mechanics such as exams and grading, study guides, class notes, and course evaluation will be included in the manual. The grantee institution is matching this NSF award with funds from non-Federal sources.
