Empowering behavioral research through tailored labs and multimodal tools

Bridging the gap between expertise and infrastructure: A dive into global research institutions equipped by Noldus with Tobii eye tracking.

Behavioral researchers are experts in their respective fields, but that doesn’t necessarily make them experts in the architecture of their research spaces. Selecting the right tools, software, and systems for one’s research is a unique specialism that requires a deep knowledge of cutting-edge solutions, modern research methodologies, and standards across research fields. What’s more, focusing on designing one’s own setup can distract from the core research questions at play.

Our partner: Noldus Information Technology

Noldus Information Technology is dedicated to helping researchers find answers to their questions by designing, testing, and installing bespoke behavioral research labs and setups. Institutes, companies, and researchers around the world have chosen Noldus to provide them with the complete solutions they need to pursue their projects at full tilt. Noldus’s mission - to hear your area of focus and provide you with the tools and environment best suited for uncovering impactful results.

Noldus works with a range of clients encompassing the full range of animal and human behavioral research fields. Their work in human behavioral research includes equipping researchers in the fields of psychology, education and training, user experience, and more with advanced technology, including Tobii eye tracking.

Here is a selection of the labs that Noldus has worked with where eye tracking has been incorporated as one of the main tools, and the groundbreaking research that entails.

Behavioral Research in Business Laboratory (HOFSTRA)

At the Frank G. Zarb School of Business in Hempstead, NY, lies a hub of innovation: The Behavioral Research in Business Laboratory at Hofstra University.

This state-of-the-art facility, spanning 1,556 square feet, is the brainchild of founder Dr Anil Mathur. When Hofstra got the opportunity to build a dedicated behavioral research lab, Dr Mathur partnered with Noldus to design a unique environment to explore deep insights into consumer behavior.

Aside from facilitating groundbreaking research into human behavior, the objective of the lab was threefold: to be a resource for the students, a resource for the faculty, and a resource for the community. To that end, Noldus collaborated closely with Hofstra to build a lab that can teach anyone to use cutting-edge technology for in-depth behavioral research.

The behavioral research lab at Hofstra is accessible, but still remarkably advanced. Noldus provided all kinds of research solutions including facial expression analysis, observational data analytical software, and Tobii’s eye tracking technology. Combining these technologies, and more, Hofstra is equipped with a long-term and enviable research space that will provide insights and education for years to come.

Watch the video to learn more about the Hofstra University
Behavioral Research in Business Laboratory.

Leipzig Faculty of Education

Researchers at Leipzig university have a storied history of furthering the boundaries of knowledge around human behavior. But every university has questions it is unequipped to answer. That’s why when Leipzig University felt that they wanted to open new lines of educational psychology research, they knew they would need a fresh research lab – Noldus were brought in to aid with technology and expertise.

The focus of the new research lab has been on the efficacy of different kinds of teaching, as well as deciphering reliable ways to distinguish between real and fake answers in assessments. This involves diving into the detail of ‘moral emotions’, shedding light on how people’s facial expressions change when up against various challenges and dilemmas.

This kind of research demands the highest caliber technology. Noldus, with its breadth of research experience and partnerships, provided tools like FaceReader and Tobii eye trackers, which can indicate subtle changes to cognitive state. A combination of tools like these affords researchers a deeper look into the intricacies of moral emotions.

Watch the video to learn more about the Educational Lab at Leipzig University.

Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN)

One partner of Noldus is particularly close to home, literally: the Maritime Research Institute of the Netherlands (MARIN), located less than a kilometer from Noldus HQ.
A staple of the Dutch maritime industry, MARIN dates all the way back to 1873, with a mission to pioneer a more sustainable use of the sea with modern and futureproof and maritime structures and operations.

To do the best job of keeping the oceans clean and safe, MARIN requires detailed data from the human side of maritime operations. That’s why they partnered with Noldus to find out how to capture psychological and physiological data of humans operating in nautical environments.

MARIN’s new full scale bridge simulator, designed and constructed with the help of Noldus, offers invaluable insights into ideal behavior at sea, as well as behavior best avoided. Human error is a primary cause of accidents and injury on ships, with bad weather or challenging navigational tasks increasing the risk of poor decision-making. Using the bridge simulator, it’s possible to rehearse for any kind of situation on the water, mitigating and preparing for particularly challenging conditions.

Most importantly, Noldus was able to imbue MARIN with the ability to capture and analyze multimodal data. Combining video, screen captures, Tobii eye trackers and other streams of data, it’s possible to understand the minute responses of individuals in high performance environments. What’s more, by analyzing this data together, it becomes possible to isolate specific areas of potential improvement that would have previously flown beneath the radar.

Watch the video to learn more about the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands
human factor research in a ship bridge simulator.

Baby and Child Research Center, Nijmegen

Also in the Netherlands the Baby and Child Research Center uses their Noldus-equipped lab to analyze the markers of typical and atypical behavior and development. The center focuses on many areas of brain activity and development, with continuing lines of research into autism, social skills, and parent-child interaction.

A key component of the Center’s research is their Tobii eye tracking technology and EEG capabilities. By showing the child various video and photo stimuli, researchers can combine data from their gaze and brain activity to help discern the developmental and behavioral characteristics.

Noldus also provided the Baby and Child Research Centre with a MediaRecorder which allows unobtrusive observation of children in various situations; playing, learning, or interacting with a caregiver. Integrating these diverse data sets, researchers deepen their comprehension of child development, paving the way for prompt diagnosis of disorders and optimized treatments.

Watch the video to learn more about the Baby and Child Research Center at Radboud University.

The Noldus effect

In today's research landscape, the design and technology of research spaces are potentially as crucial as the expertise of the researchers themselves. Noldus is at the forefront of behavioral research innovation, curating tailored research labs equipped with the most advanced tools and systems.

Collaborations with esteemed and diverse institutions like the Behavioral Research in Business Laboratory at Hofstra, Leipzig Faculty of Education, the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands, and the Baby and Child Research Center, Nijmegen, highlight Noldus' commitment to facilitating innovative research in all kinds of research fields.

Their success stories demonstrate the value of marrying domain expertise with state-of-the-art research infrastructure and showcase the potential for discoveries that can reshape our understanding of human behavior. With a clear emphasis on partnership and a dedication to delivering only the best, Noldus is paving the way for a new era of behavioral research.