Behavioral Research Blog

Using the Observer XT to measure aggressive behavior in Dolphins

The Observer XT is often used in the field to score complex ethograms. This blog touches upon a study of the 'Wild Dolphin Project' that investigates aggresive behavior between two species of dolphins.

Parent-child interaction in autism: play behavior

Stephanny Freeman and Connie Kasari observed play behavior in an observation lab. They invited parents with their children to their observation lab and coded behavior in great detail.

The open field test: A staple in behavioral batteries

The open field test is a locomotor, exploratory and/or anxiety test. Can we measure all these behaviors in a simple enclosed arena? This is exactly what we talk about in this blog, and the discussion surrounding this.

The influence of teachers' motivation behaviors on students' engagement

The presence or absence of engagement determines the difference between success and failure. Does motivating teaching behavior keep students' focused and engaged?

Scientific collaboration at its best: Home cage monitoring reviewed

The latest insights and views on home cage monitoring was reviewed by Grieco et al. A collaborative paper with an expert team on home cage behavior was published last week. This blog touches upon their findings!

A critical view on the Forced swim test

The forced swim test (FST), a staple in depression research, has been under discussion for a while. What is the FST? How is it used? And why is it under discussion? Here we share our view on this topic

The influence of ad-evoked emotions on brand attitudes

Can brand authenticity generate positive emotions among consumers and turn into a positive brand attitude?

Sunshine and romance: ultraviolet light enhances sexual behavior

Ultraviolet B rays in sunshine enhances our romantic passion. How this actually works is still largely unknown. Research at the Tel Aviv University provides new insights.

Why use Virtual Reality in Neurosciences?

Virtual Reality may become an easy way to calibrate or standardize complex tasks in immersive environments. How can researchers easily apply VR?

Entrepreneurs’ facial expressions & emotional contagion during investor pitches

What is the influence of emotions in a decision-making process? Dinkla and Liebregts wondered if displaying joy and emotional mimicry play a role during pitches.

What is DanioVision? A brief insight in zebrafish tracking

In this blog we provide a quick refresh on the topic of zebrafish, and how DanioVision contributes to this field.

Altruism in rats, suspiciously human

A recent study by Bartal et al drove our curiousity to write this blog about altruistic behavior in rats. This study shows how this type of behavior is neurally linkend to the social functioning of humans.