Laboratory for Neurocognitive Research of Individual Experience

Overview and Scientific Direction

The Laboratory for Neurocognitive Research of Individual Experience is a specialized research unit within the Institute of Experimental Psychology. Its primary scientific mission is to study the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the formation, actualization, and transformation of human subjective experience.

By analyzing the electrical activity of the brain, the laboratory investigates how individual cognitive experience is structured and how it influences behavior, learning, and decision-making. The research conducted here bridges the gap between complex psychological phenomena and their objective neurobiological correlates, contributing to a deeper understanding of human cognition and development.

Key Research Areas

The laboratory focuses on conducting highly precise instrumental research in the field of cognitive neurophysiology. The core activities of the research team, including the prominent work of researcher Dmitry Leonidovich Gladilin, involve the analysis of electroencephalographic (EEG) data to study the dynamics of cognitive processes.

The main areas of investigation include:

• Neurodynamics of Cognitive Processes: Studying event-related potentials (ERPs) and the spectral characteristics of brain activity during tasks involving visual perception, attention, and memory.
• Formation of Experience: Investigating the brain mechanisms associated with learning, skill acquisition, and the integration of new information into existing cognitive structures.
• Psychophysiological Diagnostics: Developing objective methods for evaluating cognitive load, emotional states, and individual psychophysiological differences.

Technical Equipment and Methodology

To ensure the highest level of accuracy and ecological validity in collecting neurophysiological data, the laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art, high-precision hardware for brain activity registration. The technical base of the laboratory relies on the following specialized equipment:

• EEG recorder, computerized portable Encephalan-EEGR-19/26: A versatile and highly reliable system used for multi-channel registration of electroencephalograms. Its portability allows researchers to conduct experiments not only in strict laboratory conditions but also in more natural, applied environments.
• NVX 36 EEG signal amplifier: A medical-grade, high-precision amplifier designed to capture high-quality neurophysiological signals with minimal noise, ensuring the accurate extraction of data during complex cognitive tasks.
• MCScap 10-10 textile helmet with rings: Ergonomic and specialized electrode caps that ensure accurate, standardized, and stable placement of electrodes on the subject's head according to the international 10-10 system.
• MCScap-E electrodes: High-quality sintered Ag/AgCl (silver/silver chloride) electrodes that provide low-impedance contact, guaranteeing high-fidelity signal recording.
• Ear electrodes ELECTRODE SET: Used as reference points during EEG recordings to ensure correct signal processing and artifact reduction.

Educational Integration and Prospects

Beyond fundamental research, the laboratory serves as an important educational platform. It provides undergraduate, master's, and postgraduate students of the Institute with hands-on experience in modern neuroimaging and biometrics. Under the guidance of experienced researchers, students learn the full cycle of neurocognitive research: from experimental design and hardware setup (applying EEG helmets and calibrating amplifiers) to complex mathematical processing and interpretation of neurophysiological data.