Name: utilizing electroencephalography measurements for comparison of task-specific neural efficiencies: spatial intelligence tasks
Uploaded: 2016-08-09T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Utilizing Electroencephalography Measurements for Comparison of Task-Specific Neural Efficiencies: Spatial Intelligence Tasks at JoVE.com

The authors would like to acknowledge Christopher Green, Bradley Robinson, and Maria Manuela Valladares, for helping with data collection. Funding for EEG equipment was provided by Utah State University&#39;s Office of Research and Graduate Studies Equipment Grant to Kerry Jordan&#39;s Multisensory Cognition Lab. Benjamin Call is supported by a Presidential Doctoral Research Fellowship attained from Utah State University&#39;s School of Graduate Studies for his work with Dr. Wade Goodridge.

Ethical Statement Regarding Use of Human Participants
Procedures involved in this work have been approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Utah State University for the study of human subjects. It is recommended that any similar work should also be approved by the relevant IRB. Participants are allowed to stop or withdraw from the study at any time during the experiment.
1. Selection of Participants
<ol>
	<li>Select participants on a voluntary basis from students currently enrol...

<ol>
	<li>Sorby, S. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Educational+Research+in+Developing+3-D+Spatial+Skills+for+Engineering+Students.">Educational Research in Developing 3-D Spatial Skills for Engineering Students.</a> Int. J. Sci. Educ. 31 (3), 459-480 (2009).</li><li>Wai, J., Lubinski, D., Benbow, C. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Spatial+Ability+for+STEM+Domains:+Aligning+Over+50+Years+of+Cumulative+Psychological+Knowledge+Solidifies+Its+Importance.">Spatial Ability for STEM Domains: Aligning Over 50 Years of Cumulative Psychological Knowledge Solidifies Its Importance.</a> J. Educ. Psychol. 101 (4), 817-835 (2009).</li><li>Uttal, D. H., Cohen, C. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Spatial+Thinking+and+STEM+Education:+When,+Why,+and+How?.">Spatial Thinking and STEM Education: When, Why, and How?.</a> Psychol. Learn. Motiv. 57, 147-181 (2012).</li><li>Halpern, D. F., Collaer, M. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> The Cambridge handbook of visuospatial thinking. , (2005).</li><li>Lubinski, D., Benbow, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Study+of+mathematically+precocious+youth+after+35+years.">Study of mathematically precocious youth after 35 years.</a> Perspect. Psychol. Sci. 1 (4), 316-345 (2006).</li><li>Sorby, S., Casey, B., Veurink, N., Dulaney, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+role+of+spatial+training+in+improving+spatial+and+calculus+performance+in+engineering+students.">The role of spatial training in improving spatial and calculus performance in engineering students.</a> Learn. Individ. Differ. 26, 20-29 (2013).</li><li>Peters, M., Chisholm, P., Laeng, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Spatial+ability,+student+gender,+and+academic+performance.">Spatial ability, student gender, and academic performance.</a> J. Eng. Educ. 84 (1), 1-5 (1994).</li><li>Pellegrino, J. W., Alderton, D. L., Shute, V. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Understanding+Spatial+Ability.">Understanding Spatial Ability.</a> Educ. Psychol. 19 (3), 239-253 (1984).</li><li>Goodridge, W., Villanueva, I., Wan, N. J., Call, B. J., Valladares, M. M., Robinson, B. S., Jordan, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neural+efficiency+similarities+between+engineering+students+solving+statics+and+spatial+ability+problems.">Neural efficiency similarities between engineering students solving statics and spatial ability problems.</a> Poster presented at the meeting of the Society for Neuroscience. , (2014).</li><li>Sorby, S. A., Baartmans, B. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+Development+and+Assessment+of+a+Course+for+Enhancing+the+3-D+Spatial+Visualization+Skills+of+First+Year+Engineering+Students.">The Development and Assessment of a Course for Enhancing the 3-D Spatial Visualization Skills of First Year Engineering Students.</a> J. Eng. Educ. 89 (3), 301-307 (2000).</li><li>Gorska, R., Sorby, S. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Testing+instruments+for+the+assessment+of+3-D+spatial+skills.">Testing instruments for the assessment of 3-D spatial skills.</a> Proceedings of the American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference. , (2008).</li><li>. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> CEEB Special aptitude test in spatial relations. , (1939).</li><li>Guay, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Purdue spatial visualization test. , (1976).</li><li>Hegarty, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Components of Spatial Intelligence. , (2010).</li><li>Bishop, J. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Developing+Students'+Spatial+Ability.">Developing Students' Spatial Ability.</a> Sci. Teacher. 45 (8), 20-23 (1978).</li><li>Goodridge, W. H., Villanueva, I., Call, B. J., Valladares, M. M., Wan, N., Green, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cognitive+strategies+and+misconceptions+in+introductory+Statics+problems.">Cognitive strategies and misconceptions in introductory Statics problems.</a> 2014 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE) Proceedings. , 2152-2159 (2014).</li><li>Steif, P. S., Dantzler, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+Statics+Concept+Inventory:+Development+and+Psychometric+Analysis.">A Statics Concept Inventory: Development and Psychometric Analysis.</a> J. Eng. Educ. 94 (4), 363-371 (2005).</li><li>Suresh, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+relationship+between+barrier+courses+and+persistence+in+engineering.">The relationship between barrier courses and persistence in engineering.</a> J. Coll. Student Retention. 8 (2), 215-239 (2006).</li><li>Pfurtscheller, G., Lopes da Silva, F. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Event-related+EEG/MEG+synchronization+and+desynchronization:+basic+principles.">Event-related EEG/MEG synchronization and desynchronization: basic principles.</a> Clin. Neurophysiol. 110 (11), 1842-1857 (1999).</li><li>Klimesch, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=EEG+alpha+and+theta+oscillations+reflect+cognitive+and+memory+performance:+a+review+and+analysis.">EEG alpha and theta oscillations reflect cognitive and memory performance: a review and analysis.</a> Brain Res. Brain Res. Rev. 29 (2-3), 169-195 (1999).</li><li>Babiloni, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Resting+state+cortical+rhythms+in+athletes:+a+high-resolution+EEG+study.">Resting state cortical rhythms in athletes: a high-resolution EEG study.</a> Brain Res. Bull. 81 (1), 149-156 (2010).</li><li>Babiloni, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=34;Neural+efficiency&amp;#34;+of+experts'+brain+during+judgment+of+actions:+a+high-resolution+EEG+study+in+elite+and+amateur+karate+athletes.">34;Neural efficiency&amp;#34; of experts' brain during judgment of actions: a high-resolution EEG study in elite and amateur karate athletes.</a> Behav. Brain Res. 207 (2), 466-475 (2010).</li><li>Del Percio, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=&#34;Neural+efficiency&#34;+of+athletes'+brain+for+upright+standing:+a+high-resolution+EEG+study.">&#34;Neural efficiency&#34; of athletes' brain for upright standing: a high-resolution EEG study.</a> Brain Res. Bull. 79 (3-4), 193-200 (2009).</li><li>Grabner, R. H., Fink, A., Stipacek, A., Neuper, C., Neubauer, A. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Intelligence+and+working+memory+systems:+evidence+of+neural+efficiency+in+alpha+band+ERD.">Intelligence and working memory systems: evidence of neural efficiency in alpha band ERD.</a> Brain Res. Cognitive Brain Res. 20 (2), 212-225 (2004).</li><li>Grabner, R. H., Neubauer, A. C., Stern, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Superior+performance+and+neural+efficiency:+the+impact+of+intelligence+and+expertise.">Superior performance and neural efficiency: the impact of intelligence and expertise.</a> Brain Res. Bull. 69 (4), 422-439 (2006).</li><li>Grabner, R. H., Stern, E., Neubauer, A. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=When+intelligence+loses+its+impact+neural+efficiency+during+reasoning+in+a+familiar+area.">When intelligence loses its impact neural efficiency during reasoning in a familiar area.</a> Int. J. Psychophysiol. 49, 89-98 (2003).</li><li>Neubauer, A. C., Grabner, R. H., Fink, A., Neuper, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Intelligence+and+neural+efficiency:+Further+evidence+of+the+influence+of+task+content+and+sex+on+the+brain-IQ+relationship.">Intelligence and neural efficiency: Further evidence of the influence of task content and sex on the brain-IQ relationship.</a> Cognitive Brain Res. 25 (1), 217-225 (2005).</li><li>Riecansk&#253;, I., Katina, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Induced+EEG+alpha+oscillations+are+related+to+mental+rotation+ability:+The+evidence+for+neural+efficiency+and+serial+processing.">Induced EEG alpha oscillations are related to mental rotation ability: The evidence for neural efficiency and serial processing.</a> Neurosci. Lett. 482 (2), 133-136 (2010).</li><li>Roberts, J. E., Ann Bell, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Two-+and+three-dimensional+mental+rotation+tasks+lead+to+different+parietal+laterality+for+men+and+women.">Two- and three-dimensional mental rotation tasks lead to different parietal laterality for men and women.</a> Int. J. Psychophysiol. 50 (3), 235-246 (2003).</li><li>Roberts, J. E., Bell, M. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+effects+of+age+and+sex+on+mental+rotation+performance,+verbal+performance,+and+brain+electrical+activity.">The effects of age and sex on mental rotation performance, verbal performance, and brain electrical activity.</a> Dev. Psychobiol. 40 (4), 391-407 (2002).</li><li>Gill, H. S., O'Boyle, M. W., Hathaway, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cortical+distribution+of+EEG+activity+for+component+processes+during+mental+rotation.">Cortical distribution of EEG activity for component processes during mental rotation.</a> Cortex. 34 (5), 707-718 (1998).</li><li>Caplan, J. B., Madsen, J. R., Schulze-Bonhage, A., Aschenbrenner-Scheibe, R., Newman, E. L., Kahana, M. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Human+Theta+Oscillations+Related+to+Sensorimotor+Integration+and+Spatial+Learning.">Human Theta Oscillations Related to Sensorimotor Integration and Spatial Learning.</a> The J. Neurosci. 23 (11), 4726-4736 (2003).</li><li>Kahana, M., Sekuler, R., Caplan, J., Kirschen, M., Madsen, J. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Human+theta+oscillations+exhibit+task+dependence+during+virtual+maze+navigation.">Human theta oscillations exhibit task dependence during virtual maze navigation.</a> Nature. 399 (6738), 781-784 (1999).</li><li>Delorme, A., Makeig, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=EEGLAB:+An+open+source+toolbox+for+analysis+of+single-trial+EEG+dynamics+including+independent+component+analysis.">EEGLAB: An open source toolbox for analysis of single-trial EEG dynamics including independent component analysis.</a> J. Neurosci. Meth. 134, 9-21 (2004).</li><li>Delorme, A., Sejnowski, T., Makeig, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Enhanced+detection+of+artifacts+in+EEG+data+using+higher-order+statistics+and+independent+component+analysis.">Enhanced detection of artifacts in EEG data using higher-order statistics and independent component analysis.</a> NeuroImage. 34, 1443-1449 (2007).</li><li>Meyer-Lindenberg, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=From+maps+to+mechanisms+through+neuroimaging+of+schizophrenia.">From maps to mechanisms through neuroimaging of schizophrenia.</a> Nature. 468, 194-202 (2010).</li><li>Campbell, S. R., Patten, K. E., Campbell, S. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Educational+Neuroscience:+Motivations,+methodology,+and+implications.">Educational Neuroscience: Motivations, methodology, and implications.</a> Educ. Neurosci.: Initiatives and Emerging Issues. 43 (1), 7-16 (2011).</li><li>Kelly, A. E., Patten, K. E., Campbell, S. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Can+Cognitive+Neuroscience+Ground+a+Science+of+Learning?.">Can Cognitive Neuroscience Ground a Science of Learning?.</a> Educ. Neurosci.: Initiatives and Emerging Issues. 43 (1), 17-23 (2011).</li><li>Cunningham, M. D., Murphy, P. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+effects+of+bilateral+EEG+biofeedback+on+verbal,+visual-spatial,+and+creative+skills+in+learning+disabled+male+adolescents.">The effects of bilateral EEG biofeedback on verbal, visual-spatial, and creative skills in learning disabled male adolescents.</a> J. Learn. Disabil. 14 (4), 204-208 (1981).</li></ol>

The protocol discusses the application of electroencephalography to measure brain activity for participants working problems from two typical spatial ability instruments and highly spatial engineering Statics problems. The methods detailed here may ultimately be able to help understand the neural efficiency of high and low performers engaged in working these problems. It is vital to understand any differences in neural efficiencies of engineering students working on the MCT and PSVT:R, as these tests are often used to as...

Spatial ability is vital to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields and education and correlates with success in these areas1,2,3. Therefore, it is important to understand the development of how spatial ability impacts problem solving4. Spatial ability has been linked to interest5, performance6, success in engineering academics7 and success in engineering professionals8. However, there is not a lot of work indicating specific neural processes in solving problems typical to many spatial ability instruments, nor specific engineering content that is highly spatial.
This paper provides an introduction to methods used for data collection and analysis of spatial ability instrument scores combined with neural measurements. The intent of publishing with JoVE is to make these methods more accessible to a broader audience. General public hardware and software were utilized in this study. As a methods paper, full results/data sets are not reported, nor are multiple samples provided. All images were captured specifically for this publication. The methods detailed below were utilized in preparing a preliminary conference report9 based on data from eight college sophomore-aged participants, three of whom were female.
Many existing instruments are used to indicate levels of spatial ability inherent to or learned by individuals. Two valid and reliable10,11 instruments that are commonly used are the Mental Cutting Test (MCT)12 and the Purdue Spatial Visualization test of Rotations (PSVT:R)13. While originally occupationally designed14 these instruments test different stages of spatial visualization development described by Piagetian theory10,15. The use of these instruments creates a need to understand the underlying physiological cognitive phenomena existing when individuals work through these problems. For this reason, this study aims to showcase methods utilizing empirical physiological data that may ultimately improve the analysis and understanding of spatial thought, verify existing metrics testing capabilities, and increase the applicability of spatial assessments to more complex problems typical to engineering education. Many of these problems can be encountered in engineering Statics.
Statics is a foundational mechanics course delivered to most engineering students (e.g., Biological, Mechanical, Civil, Environmental, Aerospace Engineering)16,17. It is one of the first extensive problem solving experiences that students are given in core engineering content18. Statics involves the study of the interaction of forces on a rigid body that is at rest or moving at a constant velocity. Unfortunately Statics has high dropout, withdrawal, and failure rates (14% as seen in the investigated University) and this may be related to traditional lecture and curriculum delivery models that omit key avenues of support such as spatially enhanced approaches to education. For example, spatially enhanced approaches in Statics can target the visualization of how forces interact outside of typical analytical analysis and reinforce students&#39; procedural knowledge with grounded conceptualization. The effectiveness of such interventions needs to be investigated from a cognitive neuroscientific perspective.
Electroencephalography (EEG) presents a unique and mobile method of measuring students&#39; brainwave activity. Individuals performing tasks who elicit beta activation are generally very engaged with the task specifics and are attentive to what they are doing19,20. As task demands increase, the amplitude of the beta wave increases, as does the size of the cortical area the bandwidth frequencies occupy. The more neurons that fire within the beta frequency range (alpha: 8 - 12 Hz, beta: 12 - 24Hz) can be defined as greater beta power. Relatedly, as one becomes more experienced in a task, the amplitude of beta waves decreases, generating less beta power. This is part of the neural efficiency hypothesis21-28, in which greater task experience when performing a task is related to a decrease in frequency power. Although EEG has previously been used in the study of spatial abilities (often for mental rotation and spatial navigation tasks) &#8212; and applicable data have been identified in the alpha, beta, and theta bands27-33 &#8212; alpha and beta bands were observed for this study, and beta was selected for further representative analysis in this paper and in the preliminary conference report9. The procedures defined below thus focus on beta band analysis, but an investigation into all three bands, depending on the logged data, is recommended in the future.
The neural efficiency hypothesis has been tested on various tasks, including chess, visuospatial memory, balancing, and resting. All have indicated task experience as a factor in decreased frequency power when performing familiar tasks. One particular study25 has presented evidence that, although the intelligence of a person (as measured by IQ) can help the individual acquire the skills to perform a task, experience with the task outweighs intelligence in its contribution to neural efficiency. In other words, the more experienced an individual is, the more neurally efficient he or she becomes.
Existing neural efficiency studies involving spatial ability have primarily focused on spatial rotation, and different problem sets have been used to compare different populations (e.g., male/female)27-28. EEG studies of spatial ability tasks have also provided insight by comparing performance to other task types (e.g., verbal tasks)27,29,30. The methods discussed in this paper focus on and compare problems from the MCT, PSVT:R, as well as static equilibrium tasks, which are related to spatial ability but are not limited to spatial rotation and navigation. Other spatial tasks may be used in place of the ones given as examples in this manuscript. In this way, additional insight may be obtained in the future regarding different populations (e.g., male/female or expert/novice) to ultimately help improve engineering educational practices.
In an effort to investigate spatial ability and engineering aptitude, we have developed a protocol utilizing EEG measurements to identify the beta wave activations of low performing to high performing participants during a limited battery of specific spatial and engineering tasks. In this case, the term high performer is related to the performance of the participant, and is not reflective of the amount of time spent in the field by the learner, as all participants were at approximately the same point in their education. Additionally, the problem set involved is quite specific and basic; thus the terms &#34;expert&#34; or &#34;high performing&#34; herein must not be viewed in the sense of an expert, professionally employed engineer, but representing only high performance in this narrow slice of engineering mechanics curriculum and spatial ability instruments. The neural measurements can also be used to identify any gross trends for which task types may recruit more cognitive resources than others, with possible interpretation regarding levels of difficulty. This information may potentially provide insight into future assessment and intervention with regard to spatial ability. Other future insight may be derived by considering more specific regions of the brain, which was not possible in this study due to the limited number of channels available in the EEG hardware used.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Emotiv EPOC Model 1.0</td>
			<td>Emotiv</td>
			<td>Model: Emotiv Premium</td>
			<td>&#34;High resolution, multi-channel, portable EEG system.&#34;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Emotiv Control Panel (software)</td>
			<td>Emotiv</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Used for data collection.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Emotiv Testbench (software)</td>
			<td>Emotiv</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Used for data collection.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Virtual Serial Port Emulator - VSPE (software)</td>
			<td>ETERLOGIC.COM</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Used COM10 in data collection. Available as a free download, depending on the operating system.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>E-Prime 2.0 (software)</td>
			<td>Psychology Software Tools</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Used for data collection (presentation of problems to participants and collection of markers for different phases).</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>EEGLab 13.4.4b (software)</td>
			<td>Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience (SCCN)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Used for data analysis. &#34;An open source environment for electrophysiological signal processing&#34;. SCCN is a Center of the Institute for Neural Computation, the University of California San Diego.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MATLAB R2014b</td>
			<td>The Mathworks, Inc.</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Used to run EEGLab</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microsoft Excel 2013</td>
			<td>Microsoft</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Used to assemble and compare tabulated results from EEGLab &#38; MATLAB, to create tables</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Camcorder with built in Mic</td>
			<td>Canon</td>
			<td>CNVHFR50</td>
			<td>Used to record sessions</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Syringe Kit (5cc syringe &#38; 2 16g blunted needles)</td>
			<td>Electro-Cap Intnl. Inc.</td>
			<td>E7</td>
			<td>For keeping the EEG cap&#39;s felts damp.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Nuprep EEG Skin Prep Gel</td>
			<td>Weaver and Company</td>
			<td>10-30</td>
			<td>For cleaning the mastoid process.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sanitizer</td>
			<td>Purell</td>
			<td>S-12808</td>
			<td>For sanitizing hands</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

utilizing electroencephalography measurements for comparison of task-specific neural efficiencies: spatial intelligence tasks

Spatial intelligence is often linked to success in engineering education and engineering professions. The use of electroencephalography enables comparative calculation of individuals&#39; neural efficiency as they perform successive tasks requiring spatial ability to derive solutions. Neural efficiency here is defined as having less beta activation, and therefore expending fewer neural resources, to perform a task in comparison to other groups or other tasks. For inter-task comparisons of tasks with similar durations, these measurements may enable a comparison of task type difficulty. For intra-participant and inter-participant comparisons, these measurements provide potential insight into the participant&#39;s level of spatial ability and different engineering problem solving tasks. Performance on the selected tasks can be analyzed and correlated with beta activities. This work presents a detailed research protocol studying the neural efficiency of students engaged in the solving of typical spatial ability and Statics problems. Students completed problems specific to the Mental Cutting Test (MCT), Purdue Spatial Visualization test of Rotations (PSVT:R), and Statics. While engaged in solving these problems, participants&#39; brain waves were measured with EEG allowing data to be collected regarding alpha and beta brain wave activation and use. The work looks to correlate functional performance on pure spatial tasks with spatially intensive engineering tasks to identify the pathways to successful performance in engineering and the resulting improvements in engineering education that may follow.

In this section, the preceding steps are illustrated with sample figures as described below. Full data summaries with statistical tests are not provided, as the objective of this paper is to focus on methods. Examples of potential PSVT:R, MCT, and Spatial problems are given in Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3, respectively.
The EEG cap will collect brain activation via electrical potentials for each given channel, which can be viewed in parallel as shown in Figure 7. ...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Utilizing Electroencephalography Measurements for Comparison of Task-Specific Neural Efficiencies: Spatial Intelligence Tasks at JoVE.com

Utilizing Electroencephalography Measurements for Comparison of Task-Specific Neural Efficiencies: Spatial Intelligence Tasks

This manuscript describes an approach to measure neural activity of humans while solving spatially focused engineering problems. The electroencephalogram methodology helps interpret beta brain wave measurements in terms of neural efficiency, with the aim of ultimately enabling comparisons of task performance both between problem types and between participants.

Spatial intelligence is often linked to success in engineering education and engineering professions. The use of electroencephalography enables ...

The overall goal of this procedure is to compare the neural efficiencies of participants completing problem sets requiring spacial ability. This method can answer key questions in the field of Engineering education, such as, can students gain expertise in core content in one semester? Or, how do neurological measurements differentiate when students are solving a problem using spacial ability, or when they're solving and Engineering problem.The main advantage of this technique is that it provides insight into the efficiencies of the brain. And we can align that information with student performance. Though this method offers insight into spacial ability and statics problems, it can also be applied into other skill measurements and problem types, such as those found in advanced dynamics.Demonstrating their procedure will be Bradley Robinson, and Undergraduate researcher in the laboratory. Steven Wood, and Undergraduate researcher on our team will be receiving the protocol that we are demonstrating today. Begin by setting up the electroencephalography or EEG headsets according to the manufacturer's instructions.Keep at least two head sets charging at all times for at least an hour prior to each session. Acquire the liquid for dampening the EEG electrodes and an abrasive cleaner for insuring good contact with the EEG reference electrodes. Next, insert the felts into each casing and use a syringe to saturate them with the dampening liquid.Allow the damped electrodes to rest. Set up two video cameras to measure the participants behavior. We adjust the cameras once the participant is in place and ensure that the video is time stamped.Finally, turn on the computer and verify that the software is on to record brain wave data. Verify that all software and data collection devices are interfacing properly for data collection. Upon arrival, escort the participant into the EEG room.Ask the participant to remove any electronics from their person. Demonstrate the syringe use to saturate the nodes and explain that they will only be used to keep the EEG felt stamp. Check the felts for dampness, and place the felt in casing combinations into the EEG headset.Then, clean the reference points on the participant with the abrasive cleaner, and wipe away any residue. Place the EEG headset on the participant. Align the reference nodes on the headset with the reference points on the participants head.Do no accessibly bend the arms of the headset, and leave a gap between the reference node and the back of the ear to avoid any discomfort. Finally, readjust the cameras once the participant is in place and ensure the video is time stamped. Focus one camera on the participants face in order to record facial expressions and high quality audio.Focus the other camera on the area in front of the participant in order to capture hand movements, including hand-writing actions, as well as to see which task is on the computer screen. Start logging data within the EEG logging software. Ensure that good connectivity exists between the logging device and the EEG headset by checking that all of the channels are displayed on the logging device.Check that all channels initially display similar behavior with low amplitude oscillations. Then, immediately preceding the rest periods and before the start of each new problem type, check the EEG to ensure good connectivity with the participant by rewiring and adjusting the felts in order to achieve consistent patterns on the logging device. Instruct the participant to remain as still and quiet as possible during the task exercises.Inform them that during data collection all pre planned visual communication will occur via the computer monitor. Initiate the task presentation software. Assign rest periods at the beginning and the end of data collection, which will be used for obtaining baseline data.Display the first spacial problem type, which is either a multiple choice test, or a true/false rotation problem. Following that, display the second spacial problem type, either a multiple choice test, or a true/false mental cutting problem. Next, display the Engineering problem type, focused on specific principles of Engineering statics.Once the tasks are complete, remove the EEG headset. Additionally, turn off the task presentation software, the EEG logging software, and the video recording equipment. Finally, thank the participant, and provide them an overview of any future contact, and how results of the study may be made available to them in the future.The EEG cap collects brain activation via electrical potentials in which certain artifacts within the data, as well as multiple events, need to be manually removed, as shown here. Following and independent component analysis, the software can map the data to a scalp representation of activation, and as a two D continuous plot of activation, arranged by Trials and Time. Once mastered, this technique can be performed in 45 minutes to an hour.Understanding that it depends on the participants problem-solving speed. While attempting this procedure, it's important to remember to check that the EG has good connectivity with the participants head, typically by keeping the felt stamp. After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how to collect EEG data for neural efficiency studies, by setting up the EEG device, and collecting data from participants.

utilizing-electroencephalography-measurements-for-comparison-task

Research

JoVE Journal

Behavior

Simultaneous Scalp Electroencephalography (EEG), Electromyography (EMG), and Whole-body Segmental Inertial Recording for Multi-modal Neural Decoding

Recent studies support the involvement of supraspinal networks in control of bipedal human walking. Part of this evidence encompasses studies, including our previous work, demonstrating that gait kinematics and limb coordination during treadmill walking can be inferred from the scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) with reasonably high decoding accuracies. These results provide impetus for development of non-invasive brain-machine-interface (BMI) systems for use in restoration and/or augmentation of gait- a primary goal of rehabilitation research. To date, studies examining EEG decoding of activity during gait have been limited to treadmill walking in a controlled environment. However, to be practically viable a BMI system must be applicable for use in everyday locomotor tasks such as over ground walking and turning. Here, we present a novel protocol for non-invasive collection of brain activity (EEG), muscle activity (electromyography (EMG)), and whole-body kinematic data (head, torso, and limb trajectories) during both treadmill and over ground walking tasks. By collecting these data in the uncontrolled environment insight can be gained regarding the feasibility of decoding unconstrained gait and surface EMG from scalp EEG.

Simultaneous Scalp Electroencephalography EEG, Electromyography EMG, and Whole-body Segmental Inertial Recording for Multi-modal Neural Decoding

Development of an effective brain-machine-interface (BMI) system for restoration and rehabilitation of bipedal locomotion requires accurate decoding of user's intent. Here we present a novel experimental protocol and data collection technique for simultaneous non-invasive acquisition of neural activity, muscle activity, and whole-body kinematics during various locomotion tasks and conditions.

Recent  studies support the involvement of supraspinal networks in control of bipedal  human walking. Part of this evidence  encompasses studies, ...

Automated Visual Cognitive Tasks for Recording Neural Activity Using a Floor Projection Maze

Neuropsychological tasks used in primates to investigate mechanisms of learning and memory are typically visually guided cognitive tasks. We have developed visual cognitive tasks for rats using the Floor Projection Maze1,2&#160;that are optimized for visual abilities of rats permitting stronger comparisons of experimental findings with other species.
In order to investigate neural correlates of learning and memory, we have integrated electrophysiological recordings into fully automated cognitive tasks on the Floor Projection Maze1,2. Behavioral software interfaced with an animal tracking system allows monitoring of the animal's behavior with precise control of image presentation and reward contingencies for better trained animals. Integration with an in vivo electrophysiological recording system enables examination of behavioral correlates of neural activity at selected epochs of a given cognitive task.
We describe protocols for a model system that combines automated visual presentation of information to rodents and intracranial reward with electrophysiological approaches. Our model system offers a sophisticated set of tools as a framework for other cognitive tasks to better isolate and identify specific mechanisms contributing to particular cognitive processes.

We describe protocols for training rats for chronic electrophysiological recordings in fully automated cognitive tasks on a Floor Projection Maze.

Neuropsychological tasks used in primates to investigate mechanisms of learning and memory are typically visually guided cognitive tasks. We have ...

Uncovering Beat Deafness: Detecting Rhythm Disorders with Synchronized Finger Tapping and Perceptual Timing Tasks

A set of behavioral tasks for assessing perceptual and sensorimotor timing abilities in the general population (i.e., non-musicians) is presented here with the goal of uncovering rhythm disorders, such as beat deafness. Beat deafness is characterized by poor performance in perceiving durations in auditory rhythmic patterns or poor synchronization of movement with auditory rhythms (e.g., with musical beats). These tasks include the synchronization of finger tapping to the beat of simple and complex auditory stimuli and the detection of rhythmic irregularities (anisochrony detection task) embedded in the same stimuli. These tests, which are easy to administer, include an assessment of both perceptual and sensorimotor timing abilities under different conditions (e.g., beat rates and types of auditory material) and are based on the same auditory stimuli, ranging from a simple metronome to a complex musical excerpt. The analysis of synchronized tapping data is performed with circular statistics, which provide reliable measures of synchronization accuracy (e.g., the difference between the timing of the taps and the timing of the pacing stimuli) and consistency. Circular statistics on tapping data are particularly well-suited for detecting individual differences in the general population. Synchronized tapping and anisochrony detection are sensitive measures for identifying profiles of rhythm disorders and have been used with success to uncover cases of poor synchronization with spared perceptual timing. This systematic assessment of perceptual and sensorimotor timing can be extended to populations of patients with brain damage, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson&#8217;s disease), and developmental disorders (e.g., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Behavioral tasks that allow for the assessment of perceptual and sensorimotor timing abilities in the general population (i.e., non-musicians) are presented. Synchronization of finger tapping to the beat of an auditory stimuli and detecting rhythmic irregularities provides a means of uncovering rhythm disorders.

A set of behavioral tasks for assessing perceptual and sensorimotor timing abilities in the general population (i.e., non-musicians) is presented here ...

Performing Behavioral Tasks in Subjects with Intracranial Electrodes

Patients having stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) electrode, subdural grid or depth electrode implants have a multitude of electrodes implanted in different areas of their brain for the localization of their seizure focus and eloquent areas. After implantation, the patient must remain in the hospital until the pathological area of brain is found and possibly resected. During this time, these patients offer a unique opportunity to the research community because any number of behavioral paradigms can be performed to uncover the neural correlates that guide behavior. Here we present a method for recording brain activity from intracranial implants as subjects perform a behavioral task designed to assess decision-making and reward encoding. All electrophysiological data from the intracranial electrodes are recorded during the behavioral task, allowing for the examination of the many brain areas involved in a single function at time scales relevant to behavior. Moreover, and unlike animal studies, human patients can learn a wide variety of behavioral tasks quickly, allowing for the ability to perform more than one task in the same subject or for performing controls. Despite the many advantages of this technique for understanding human brain function, there are also methodological limitations that we discuss, including environmental factors, analgesic effects, time constraints and recordings from diseased tissue. This method may be easily implemented by any institution that performs intracranial assessments; providing the opportunity to directly examine human brain function during behavior.

Patients implanted with intracranial electrodes provide a unique opportunity to record neurological data from multiple areas of the brain while the patient performs behavioral tasks. Here, we present a method of recording from implanted patients that can be reproducible at other institutions with access to this patient population.

Patients having stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) electrode, subdural grid or depth electrode implants have a multitude of electrodes implanted in ...

Practical Methodology of Cognitive Tasks Within a Navigational Assessment

This paper describes an approach for measuring navigation accuracy relative to cognitive skills. The methodology behind the assessment will thus be clearly outlined in a step-by-step manner. Navigational skills are important when trying to find symbols within a speech-generating device (SGD) that has a dynamic screen and taxonomical organization. The following skills have been found to impact children&#8217;s ability to find symbols when navigating within the levels of an SGD: sustained attention, categorization, cognitive flexibility, and fluid reasoning1,2. According to past studies, working memory was not correlated with navigation1,2.
The materials needed for this method include a computerized tablet, an augmentative and alternative communication application, a booklet of symbols, and the Leiter International Performance Scale-Revised (Leiter-R)3. This method has been used in two previous studies. Robillard, Mayer-Crittenden, Roy-Charland, Minor-Corriveau and B&#233;langer1 assessed typically developing children, while Rondeau, Robillard and Roy-Charland2 assessed children and adolescents with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The direct observation of this method will facilitate the replication of this study for researchers. It will also help clinicians that work with children who have complex communication needs to determine the children&#8217;s ability to navigate an SGD with taxonomical categorization.

Children who have complex communication needs can benefit from the use of a speech-generating device (SGD). Cognitive skills were identified as having an impact on the ability to navigate between levels of SGDs. This protocol describes the steps needed for Speech-language Pathologists to assess cognitive skills and navigational abilities.

This paper describes an approach for measuring navigation accuracy relative to cognitive skills. The methodology behind the assessment will thus be ...

Asymmetric Walkway: A Novel Behavioral Assay for Studying Asymmetric Locomotion

Behavioral assays are commonly used for the assessment of sensorimotor impairment in the central nervous system (CNS). The most sophisticated methods for quantifying locomotor deficits in rodents is to measure minute disturbances of unconstrained gait overground (e.g., manual BBB score or automated CatWalk). However, cortical inputs are not required for the generation of basic locomotion produced by the spinal central pattern generator (CPG). Thus, unconstrained walking tasks test locomotor deficits due to motor cortical impairment only indirectly. In this study, we propose a novel, precise foot-placement locomotor task that evaluates cortical inputs to the spinal CPG. An instrumented peg-way was used to impose symmetrical and asymmetrical locomotor tasks mimicking lateralized movement deficits. We demonstrate that shifts from equidistant inter-stride lengths of 20% produce changes in the forelimb stance phase characteristics during locomotion with preferred stride length. Furthermore, we propose that the asymmetric walkway allows for measurements of behavioral outcomes produced by cortical control signals. These measures are relevant for the assessment of impairment after cortical damage.

Here, we present a protocol to quantify precise stepping in rodents. Cortical and the spinal central pattern generator signals are required for precise foot-placement during obstructed locomotion. We report here the novel constrained walking task that directly examines precise stepping behavior.

Behavioral assays are commonly used for the assessment of sensorimotor impairment in the central nervous system (CNS). The most sophisticated methods for ...

Using the Activity-based Anorexia Rodent Model to Study the Neurobiological Basis of Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric illness characterized by excessively restricted caloric intake and abnormally high levels of physical activity. A challenging illness to treat, due to the lack of understanding of the underlying neurobiology, AN has the highest mortality rate among psychiatric illnesses. To address this need, neuroscientists are using an animal model to study how neural circuits may contribute toward vulnerability to AN and may be affected by AN. Activity-based anorexia (ABA) is a bio-behavioral phenomenon described in rodents that models the key symptoms of anorexia nervosa. When rodents with free access to voluntary exercise on a running wheel experience food restriction, they become hyperactive &#8211; running more than animals with free access to food. Here, we describe the procedures by which ABA is induced in adolescent female C57BL/6 mice. On postnatal day 36 (P36), the animal is housed with access to voluntary exercise on a running wheel. After 4 days of acclimation to the running wheel, on P40, all food is removed from the cage. For the next 3 days, food is returned to the cage (allowing animals free food access) for 2 hr daily. After the fourth day of food restriction, free access to food is returned and the running wheel is removed from the cage to allow the animals to recover. Continuous multi-day analysis of running wheel activity shows that mice become hyperactive within 24 hr following the onset of food restriction. The mice run even during the limited time during which they have access to food. Additionally, the circadian pattern of wheel running becomes disrupted by the experience of food restriction. We have been able to correlate neurobiological changes with various aspects of the animals&#8217; wheel running behavior to implicate particular brain regions and neurochemical changes with resilience and vulnerability to food-restriction induced hyperactivity.

Here we present a protocol to induce activity-based anorexia (ABA) in female adolescent mice. ABA is a condition of hyperactivity evoked by imposing food restriction on rodents with access to a running wheel. This phenomenon is being used as a model to study the underlying neurobiology of anorexia nervosa.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric illness characterized by excessively restricted caloric intake and abnormally high levels of physical activity. A ...

Using Laser Doppler Imaging and Monitoring to Analyze Spinal Cord Microcirculation in Rat

Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) is a noninvasive method for blood flow (BF) measurement, which makes it preferable for measuring microcirculatory alterations of the spinal cord. In this article, our goal was to use both Laser Doppler imaging and monitoring to analyze the change of BF after spinal cord injury. Both the laser Doppler image scanner and the probe/monitor were being employed to obtain each readout. The data of LDPI provided a local distribution of BF, which gave an overview of perfusion around the injury site and made it accessible for comparative analysis of BF among different locations. By intensely measuring the probing area over a period of time, a combined probe was used to simultaneously measure the BF and oxygen saturation of the spinal cord, showing overall spinal cord perfusion and oxygen supply. LDF itself has a few limitations, such as relative flux, sensitivity to movement, and biological zero signal. However, the technology has been applied in clinical and experimental study due to its simple setup and rapid measurement of BF.

Here we present a combination of laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) and laser Doppler perfusion monitoring (LDPM) to measure spinal cord local blood flows and oxygen saturation (SO2), as well as a standardized procedure for introducing spinal cord trauma on rat.

Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) is a noninvasive method for blood flow (BF) measurement, which makes it preferable for measuring microcirculatory ...

The (Spatial) Memory Game: Testing the Relationship Between Spatial Language, Object Knowledge, and Spatial Cognition

The memory game paradigm is a behavioral procedure to explore the relationship between language, spatial memory, and object knowledge. Using two different versions of the paradigm, spatial language use and memory for object location are tested under different, experimentally manipulated conditions. This allows us to tease apart proposed models explaining the influence of object knowledge on spatial language (e.g., spatial demonstratives), and spatial memory, as well as understanding the parameters that affect demonstrative choice and spatial memory more broadly. Key to the development of the method was the need to collect data on language use (e.g., spatial demonstratives: &#34;this/that&#34;) and spatial memory data under strictly controlled conditions, while retaining a degree of ecological validity. The language version (section 3.1) of the memory game tests how conditions affect language use. Participants refer verbally to objects placed at different locations (e.g., using spatial demonstratives: &#34;this/that red circle&#34;). Different parameters can be experimentally manipulated: the distance from the participant, the position of a conspecific, and for example whether the participant owns, knows, or sees the object while referring to it. The same parameters can be manipulated in the memory version of the memory game (section 3.2). This version tests the effects of the different conditions on object-location memory. Following object placement, participants get 10 seconds to memorize the object&#39;s location. After the object and location cues are removed, participants verbally direct the experimenter to move a stick to indicate where the object was. The difference between the memorized and the actual location shows the direction and strength of the memory error, allowing comparisons between the influences of the respective parameters.

The Spatial Memory Game: Testing the Relationship Between Spatial Language, Object Knowledge, and Spatial Cognition

We present a protocol to explore the relationship between spatial language production, spatial memory, and object knowledge. The procedure allows experimental manipulation of, and control over, conditions of object knowledge, language at instruction, and physical location, thus teasing apart cognitive and linguistic models describing interactions between these variables.

The memory game paradigm is a behavioral procedure to explore the relationship between language, spatial memory, and object knowledge. Using two different ...

A Behavioral Assay for Investigating the Role of Spatial Memory During Instinctive Defense in Mice

Evolution has selected a repertoire of defensive behaviors that are essential for survival across all animal species. These behaviors are often stereotyped actions elicited in response to innately aversive sensory stimuli, but their success requires enough flexibility for adapting to different spatial environments, which can change rapidly. Here, we describe a behavioral assay to evaluate the influence of learned spatial knowledge on defensive behaviors in mice. We have adapted the widely used Barnes maze spatial memory assay to investigate how mice navigate to a shelter during escape responses to innately aversive sensory stimuli in a novel environment, and how they adapt to acute changes in the environment. This new assay is an ethological paradigm that does not require training and exploits the natural exploration patterns and navigation strategies in mice. We propose that the set of protocols described here are a powerful means of studying goal-directed behaviors and stimulus-triggered navigation, which should be of interest to both the fields of instinctive behaviors and spatial memory.

This protocol describes a behavioral assay, based on the Barnes maze test, to study how instinctive defensive actions are modified by the knowledge of spatial environment.