This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.

9.63 Laboratory in Cognitive Science

As taught in: Fall 2005

Image of a PET scan showing cingulate.

Statistically-analyzed PET scan data superimposed on structural MRI scan (front of brain is at right) shows areas in the anterior and posterior cingulate where panic disorder patients had nearly one third fewer serotonin 5-HT1A receptors compared to healthy control subjects. The lighter the color, the greater the difference between patients and controls. (Image courtesy of the National Institute of Mental Health.)

Level:

Undergraduate

Instructors:

Prof. Aude Oliva

Course Features

Course Description

9.63 teaches principles of experimental methods in human perception and cognition, including design and statistical analysis. The course combines lectures and hands-on experimental exercises and requires an independent experimental project. Some experience in programming is desirable. To foster improved writing and presentation skills in conducting and critiquing research in cognitive science, students are required to provide reports and give oral presentations of three team experiments. A fourth individually conducted experiment includes a proposal with revision, and concluding written and oral reports.

Technical Requirements

Special software is required to use some of the files in this course: .xls, .m.