Methods in Social and Behavioral Neuroscience

Catalog description

Different sections of SBN 508 will explore important topical areas in the broader domain of research design, experimental and measurement techniques, and data analytic methods that are common to Social and Behavioral Neuroscience or are newly developed, cutting edge methods in the field. Courses will include an examination of (a) the biological process being measured (e.g. what type of neural activity is and is not captured in fMRI), (b) the foundational principles of the experimental and/or measurement technique, (c) the analytical approaches pertinent to the type of data being generated, and (d) methodological issues of particular relevance to the experimental technique and/or design being used. The intent of SBN 508 is to provide students with a strong foundation in research design, procedures,measurement, and data analytic approaches that students can carry forward and use in research projects in Social and Behavioral Neuroscience. SBN 508 will emphasize class participation and provide multiple opportunities to examine related topics in written and spoken form. Courses will also provide students with the opportunity to work with the relevant data types to provide an immersive experience in design and analysis. We anticipate that SBN 508 course sections will be continually revised and updated to reflect new and innovative experimental, measurement, and data analytical techniques that continually appear in the scientific literature.