Currently, my research interests are in the areas of human brain electrophysiology, memory and perceptual processes in humans, and the biological basis of learning and memory in animals. Specifically, I am in the process of setting up to continue investigating the neurophysiological substrates of working memory in humans, as indexed by cognitive evoked brain potentials. Also, there are plans to study spatial memory processes in humans, using cognitive evoked brain potentials as well. In addition, I am working on computer programs to do simple and fast "whole" waveform analysis.
grobinso@aurora.ncat.edu
Robinson, G.S. (1995). Investigating working memory in humans as indexed by cognitive evoked potentials.
The utility of cognitive evoked potentials to objectively study memory processes in humans is on the rise. Cognitive evoked potentials were recorded from 20 college students, while they performed three different conditions designed to activate working memory. Condition one was the letter ÒXÓ as the target letter, and the rest of the letters as non- targets. Condition two was a two-letter word task, in which the target letter was the last letter of any two letter word. Condition three was a three-letter word task, in which the target letter was the last letter of any three letter word. The letters were presented one at a time in the center of the screen. Thus, for the word conditions, the subjects had to hold the last one or two letters in working memory in order to identify a two or three letter word. Activity recorded from Cz, Fz, and Pz, indicated an increase in P300 latency, F(2,28) = 58.21, p < .01, with increasing working memory demands. However; there was a significant interaction for amplitude and scalp location. Results suggest that cognitive evoked potentials are sensitive to changes in working memory processes. Further, amplitude scalp locations, suggest different neural arrays for different levels and demands of working memory processes.
Neuroscience links:
grobinso@aurora.ncat.edu