Behavioral Research Blog

Nearly impossible to video track: small shrimp

Gammarus shrimps are exceptionally difficult to track, but Noldus solved the puzzle, resulting in interesting insights into its ecology.

How does handedness relate to infant language development?

Developing motor skills appears to be related to language abilities. The research team of Sandy Gonzalez investigated whether consistency in handedness predicts receptive and expressive language.

Observing and analyzing repetitive movements in infants to detect autism

To examine if a specific repertoire of repetitive movements was present in children with autism, researchers used home videos to code the behaviors of the infants.

Measuring consumer choice behavior

Two recent projects provide new insights into how best to measure the choices that we make.

The role of mimicry in the development of social communication

Children learn from interacting with others, especially their parents. For example, reproducing the emotions that others express is part of that.

Learn about people's behavior by observing them

An observation or usability lab allows researchers to observe test participants unobtrusively, in an environment similar to the participant’s natural surroundings.

Creating a custom expression for engagement: a validation study with FaceReader

The concept engagement is gaining more and more attention. Many companies are looking for ways to increase consumer engagement. But, how do you know a consumer is feeling engaged?

Getting robust results: one zebrafish is not like the other

Zebrafish larvae locomotor behavior often has a high variability, which can have a big impact on your results. Still, it is one of the most used parameters. So how can you make your study more robust?

Emotional responses to winning a paralympic medal

Guest blogger Jeffrey J. Martin conducted a study to examine the emotional reactions of Paralympians right after winning a medal, using automated facial expression analysis.

How behavioral core facilities advance research

Behavioral cores benefit universities as well as science in general. Recent cases show improved reproducibility of tests and protocols to assess a more complex phenotype of model animals.

Why a clear mask is essential for clearer communication

For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, it is essential to be able to see the movements of the mouth while communicating. With the help of clear masks they can access the full facial expressions.

Three ways to understand consumer emotions

Many companies are seeking ways to understand consumer emotions in order to predict product acceptability. Here are three ways you could set up your study to assess consumer emotions.