This project would assist the Vassar College psychology department in modernizing and expanding its laboratory facilities in human perception and cognition. There is a strong need for this enhancement due to curricular expansion and student interest in this growing subarea of psychology, particularly given recent changes in major requirements. Students in psychology, biopsychology, and cognitive science will benefit from the use of computerized stimulus presentation and data collection, graphics, voice synthesis, eye movement tracking, and data loggers through intermediate and laboratory courses in perception and cognition and student independent work in these areas. Available facilities and expertise will allow for optimal use of this equipment to illustrate central methodological techniques in the current study of human perception and cognition through exercises and demonstrations as well as more independent student research. The scientific education of a significant number of undergraduates, particularly women, will be enhanced in the context of a high quality liberal arts institution which has the resources and commitment to support this initiative.
