Department of Psychology

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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14078/12

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Sex and sexual orientation differences in Dark Triad traits, sexual excitation/inhibition, and sociosexuality
(2023) Semenyna, Scott W.; Vasey, Paul L.; Honey, P. Lynne
The present study sought to investigate sex and sexual orientation differences in several traits related to sexuality and sexual behavior. Examining sexual orientation differences alongside basic sex differences to help identify correlates of sexual orientation diversity, and whether individuals with varying degrees of same-sex attraction show concurrent sex-atypical shifts in other domains. Males tend to score higher than females in the Dark Triad (DT) traits of sub-clinical narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. Similarly, females tend to be more cautious than males in their attitudes and desires toward casual sex activity (i.e., sociosexuality). These sex differences may be related to the propensity for individuals to become easily sexually excited, which is higher in males, or to instead inhibit sexual arousal, which is higher in females. In a large undergraduate sample (N = 2047), we replicated expected sex differences in DT traits, sociosexuality, and sexual excitation/inhibition. We found that non-heterosexual females were “male-shifted” in some of these traits, but these shifts tended to be strongest among mostly heterosexual and bisexual individuals. Furthermore, we found that within-sex variation in sociosexuality, sexual excitation, and sexual inhibition was not related to sexual orientation in a linear fashion. Instead, sociosexuality and sexual excitation were related to sexual orientation in a curvilinear (inverted-U) fashion, especially among females. The fact that traits correlated with bisexuality and homosexuality were somewhat distinct is consistent with the idea that different developmental pathways may lead to these discrete sexual attraction patterns.
Sex, drugs, and zebrafish: acute exposure to anxiety-modulating compounds in a modified novel tank dive test
(2024) Johnson, Andrea L.; Hurd, Peter L.; Hamilton, Trevor
This study investigated the effects of anxiogenic and anxiolytic drugs on zebrafish (Danio rerio) behaviour using a modified novel tank dive test with higher walls and a narrower depth. Zebrafish were administered chondroitin sulfate, beta-carboline, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), ethanol, and beta-caryophyllene, and their behaviours were evaluated for geotaxis, swimming velocity, and immobility. Both anxiogenic and anxiolytic compounds generally increased bottom-dwelling behaviour, suggesting that the tank's modified dimensions significantly influence zebrafish responses. EC50 values for ethanol showed a lower threshold for velocity reduction compared to zone preference. Chondroitin sulfate uniquely caused a sex-specific increase in male swimming velocity, whereas no other sex-differences were observed with any compound. Interestingly, the presence of drug-treated fish did not alter the behaviour of observer fish, suggesting limited social buffering effects. The findings underscore the complexity of zebrafish behavioural phenotypes and highlight the need for considering tank dimensions and multiple behavioural parameters to accurately assess the effects of anxiety-modulating drugs. This study demonstrates the utility of the modified novel tank dive test in providing nuanced insights into the behavioural effects of different pharmacological agents in zebrafish.
One hundred years of EEG for brain and behaviour research
(2024) Mushtaq, Faisal; Welke, Dominik; Gallagher, Anne; Pavlov, Yuri G.; Kouara, Layla; Bosch-Bayard, Jorge; van den Bosch, Jasper J. F.; Arvaneh, Mahnaz; Bland, Amy R.; Chaumon, Maximilien; Borck, Cornelius; He, Xun; Luck, Steven J.; Machizawa, Maro G.; Pernet, Cyril; Puce, Aina; Segalowitz, Sidney J.; Rogers, Christine; Awais, Muhammad; Babiloni, Claudio; Bailey, Neil W.; Baillet, Sylvain; Bendall, Robert C. A.; Brady, Daniel; Bringas-Vega, Maria L.; Busch, Niko A.; Calzada-Reyes, Ana; Chatard, Armand; Clayson, Peter E.; Cohen, Michael X.; Cole, Jonathan; Constant, Martin; Corneyllie, Alexandra; Coyle, Damien; Cruse, Damian; Delis, Ioannis; Delorme, Arnaud; Fair, Damien; Falk, Tiago H.; Gamer, Matthias; Ganis, Giorgio; Gloy, Kilian; Gregory, Samantha; Hassall, Cameron D.; Hiley, Katherine E.; Ivry, Richard B.; Jerbi, Karim; Jenkins, Michael; Kaiser, Jakob; Keil, Andreas; Knight, Robert T.; Kochen, Silvia; Kotchoubey, Boris; Krigolson, Olave E.; Langer, Nicolas; Liesefeld, Heinrich R.; Lippé, Sarah; London, Raquel E.; MacNamara, Annmarie; Makeig, Scott; Marinovic, Welber; Martínez-Montes, Eduardo; Marzuki, Aleya A.; Mathew, Ryan K.; Michel, Christoph; Millán, José D. R.; Mon-Williams, Mark; Morales-Chacón, Lilia; Naar, Richard; Nilsonne, Gustav; Niso, Guiomar; Nyhus, Erika; Oostenveld, Robert; Paul, Katharina; Paulus, Walter; Pfabigan, Daniela M.; Pourtois, Gilles; Rampp, Stefan; Rausch, Manuel; Robbins, Kay; Rossini, Paolo M.; Ruzzoli, Manuela; Schmidt, Barbara; Senderecka, Magdalena; Srinivasan, Narayanan; Stegmann, Yannik; Thompson, Paul M.; Valdes-Sosa, Mitchell; van der Molen, Melle J. W.; Veniero, Domenica; Verona, Edelyn; Verona, Edelyn; Voytek, Bradley; Yao, Dezhong; Evans, Alan C.; Valdes Sosa, Pedro
On the centenary of the first human EEG recording, more than 500 experts reflect on the impact that this discovery has had on our understanding of the brain and behaviour. We document their priorities and call for collective action focusing on validity, democratization and responsibility to realize the potential of EEG in science and society over the next 100 years.
Reward positivity affects temporal interval production in a continuous timing task
(2024) Yan, Yan; Hunt, Laurence T.; Hassall, Cameron D.
The neural circuits of reward processing and interval timing (including the perception and production of temporal intervals) are functionally intertwined, suggesting that it might be possible for momentary reward processing to influence subsequent timing behavior. Previous animal and human studies have mainly focused on the effect of reward on interval perception, whereas its impact on interval production is less clear. In this study, we examined whether feedback, as an example of performance-contingent reward, biases interval production. We recorded EEG from 20 participants while they engaged in a continuous drumming task with different realistic tempos (1728 trials per participant). Participants received color-coded feedback after each beat about whether they were correct (on time) or incorrect (early or late). Regression-based EEG analysis was used to unmix the rapid occurrence of a feedback response called the reward positivity (RewP), which is traditionally observed in more slow-paced tasks. Using linear mixed modeling, we found that RewP amplitude predicted timing behavior for the upcoming beat. This performance-biasing effect of the RewP was interpreted as reflecting the impact of fluctuations in reward-related anterior cingulate cortex activity on timing, and the necessity of continuous paradigms to make such observations was highlighted.
The neural correlates of continuous feedback processing
(2023) Hassall, Cameron D.; Yan, Yan; Hunt, Laurence T.
Feedback processing is commonly studied by analyzing the brain's response to discrete rather than continuous events. Such studies have led to the hypothesis that rapid phasic midbrain dopaminergic activity tracks reward prediction errors (RPEs), the effects of which are measurable at the scalp via electroencephalography (EEG). Although studies using continuous feedback are sparse, recent animal work suggests that moment-to-moment changes in reward are tracked by slowly ramping midbrain dopaminergic activity. Some have argued that these ramping signals index state values rather than RPEs. Our goal here was to develop an EEG measure of continuous feedback processing in humans, then test whether its behavior could be accounted for by the RPE hypothesis. Participants completed a stimulus–response learning task in which a continuous reward cue gradually increased or decreased over time. A regression-based unmixing approach revealed EEG activity with a topography and time course consistent with the stimulus-preceding negativity (SPN), a scalp potential previously linked to reward anticipation and tonic dopamine release. Importantly, this reward-related activity depended on outcome expectancy: as predicted by the RPE hypothesis, activity for expected reward cues was reduced compared to unexpected reward cues. These results demonstrate the possibility of using human scalp-recorded potentials to track continuous feedback processing, and test candidate hypotheses of this activity.
Repeated microdoses of LSD do not alter anxiety or boldness in zebrafish
(2024) Hagen, Ethan V.; Schalomon, Melike; Zhang, Yunhui; Hamilton, Trevor
The therapeutic use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) has resurfaced in the last decade, prompting further scientific investigation into its effectiveness in many animal models. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are a popular model organism in medical sciences and are used to examine the repeated administration of pharmacological compounds. Previous zebrafish research found acute LSD altered behaviour and cortisol levels at high (250 µg/L) but not low (5–100 µg/L) levels. In this study, we used a motion tracking system to record and analyze the movement patterns of zebrafish after acute and repeated 10-day LSD exposure (1.5 µg/L, 15 µg/L, 150 µg/L) and after seven days of withdrawal. The open-field and novel object approach tests were used to examine anxiety-like behaviour, boldness, and locomotion. In the acute experiments we observed a significant decrease in high mobility with 1.5 µg/L, 15 µg/L, and 150 µg/L of LSD compared to the control and a decrease in velocity with 1.5 and 15 µg/L. In repeated experiments, there were no significant differences in the levels of anxiety, boldness, or locomotion between all LSD groups and controls immediately after 10-day treatment or after withdrawal.
β-Carboline (FG-7142) modulates fear but not anxiety-like behaviour in zebrafish
(2024) Scatterty, Kale R.; Hamilton, Trevor
The β-Carboline FG-7142 is a partial inverse agonist at the benzodiazepine allosteric site on the GABA-A receptor that induces anxiogenic, proconvulsant, and appetite-reducing effects in many species, including humans. Seizure-kindling effects have been well studied, however anxiogenic properties are relatively unexplored. This study aimed to investigate concentration-dependent effects of FG-7142 on anxiety-like behaviour and fear responses in zebrafish (Danio rerio) using the open-field test (OF) and novel object approach test (NOA). A U-shaped distribution was found with maximal responses in increased immobility and reduced distance moved at 10 µM in the NOA but not the OF. Follow up experiments demonstrated a lack of effect in repeated OF testing and no changes in opercular movements. Furthermore, the effect of FG-7142 was reversed with ethanol treatment. These results suggest that FG-7142 elicits a ‘freezing’ response in zebrafish via the introduction of novelty, suggesting fear-induction. These findings indicate that FG-7142 may act as an agent to promote acute fear responses in zebrafish.
Cannabinoid type-2 receptors modulate terpene induced anxiety-reduction in zebrafish
(2023) Johnson, Andréa L.; Verbitsky, Ryan; Hudson, James; Dean, Rachel; Hamilton, Trevor
Terpenes are the most extensive and varied group of naturally occurring compounds mostly found in plants, including cannabis, and have an array of potential therapeutic benefits for pathological conditions. The endocannabinoid system can potently modulate anxiety in humans, rodents, and zebrafish. The ‘entourage effect’ suggests terpenes may target cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, among others, but this requires further investigation. In this study we first tested for anxiety-altering effects of the predominant ‘Super-Class’ terpenes, bisabolol (0.001%, 0.0015%, and 0.002%) and terpinolene (TPL; 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.1%), in zebrafish with the open field test. Bisabolol did not have an effect on zebrafish behaviour or locomotion. However, TPL caused a significant increase in time spent in the inner zone and decrease in time spent in the outer zone of the arena indicating an anxiolytic (anxiety decreasing) effect. Next, we assessed whether CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonists, rimonabant and AM630 (6-Iodopravadoline) respectively, could eliminate or reduce the anxiolytic effects of TPL (0.1%) and β-caryophyllene (BCP; 4%), another super-class terpene previously shown to be anxiolytic in zebrafish. Rimonabant and AM630 were administered prior to terpene exposure and compared to controls and fish exposed to only the terpenes. AM630, but not rimonabant, eliminated the anxiolytic effects of both BCP and TPL. AM630 modulated locomotion on its own, which was potentiated by terpenes. These findings suggest the behavioural effects of TPL and BCP on zebrafish anxiety-like behaviour are mediated by a selective preference for CB2 receptor sites. Furthermore, the CB2 pathways mediating the anxiolytic response are likely different from those altering locomotion.
Innate colour preference in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
(2023) Hagen, Ethan V.; Zhang, Yunhui; Hamilton, Trevor
Innate (natural) colour preference in animals is used for a variety of behavioural neuroscience purposes in many animal models. In zebrafish, colour preference is often used in combination with place preference testing and some memory tests. However, baseline colour preference seems to differ in the few studies examining this innate behaviour. This necessitates a protocol for reliable colour preference testing to establish preferences prior to using more complex behavioural paradigms. This procedure involves an aquatic plus maze with a central neutral zone and 4 coloured zones: red, green, yellow, blue. Adult zebrafish spent significantly more time in the blue zone compared to the red and yellow zones. There were no sex differences in colour preference. This procedure is a rapid, affordable, straightforward, and effective method to establish baseline colour preference.
Music and dance training are not uniquely associated with memory skills
(2024) Sidhu, Riya K.; Ritchie, Kaitlin N.; Corrigall, Kathleen
Music training is robustly associated with cognitive skills, and with tonal and verbal memory more specifically. However, it is unclear whether these associations reflect near or far transfer and/or whether they indicate pre-existing differences between those who do or do not take music lessons for long durations. Dance training may similarly rely on or train visuospatial memory abilities and produce exercise-induced benefits for working memory, but there is far less research on its associations with cognition. In Study 1, women with varying durations of formal music and dance experience completed measures of visual and auditory memory, general intelligence, demographics, and personality. Music training was associated with auditory immediate and delayed memory, as well as visual working memory, but all associations disappeared when other variables were held constant. Furthermore, dance training was not associated with any memory measure. Study 2 was similar but focused on visual memory and included both men and women. We replicated the simple association between duration of music training and visual working memory, which once again ceased to remain significant when controlling for other variables. Similarly, dance training failed to correlate with any visual memory measure despite the use of more valid visual memory tasks. Our findings suggest that memory advantages among musicians most likely result from pre-existing differences rather than near transfer and provide no evidence of transfer from dance training to visual memory.
Research recast(ed): S4E4 - Is it a ghost or is it your mind?
(2024) Leschyshyn, Brooklyn; Smadis, Natalie; Schmaltz, Rodney
On today’s episode we are joined by Dr. Rodney Schmaltz as he explores scientific skepticism. We talk about how he guides students in creating protocols for the $500,000 Paranormal Challenge, testing claims like telekinesis and psychic abilities. Dr. Schmaltz highlights the difference between skepticism and cynicism, examines the role of expectation in paranormal experiences, and discusses infrasound's impact on hauntings.
How self-esteem and narcissism differentially relate to high and(un)stable feelings of status and inclusion
(2020) Giacomin, Miranda; Benson, Alex J.
Objective: We tested how self-esteem and grandiose narcissism are associated with people's level and instability of status and inclusion. Method: In Studies 1 and 2, we used latent profile analysis (Study 1, N = 989; Study 2, N = 470, 111 teams) to examine how people felt about their level and instability of status and inclusion. In Study 3, we used daily diary reports (N = 287, 1,286 daily observations) to track people's level and instability of status and inclusion. Results: Higher levels of status and inclusion did not always correspond to more stable beliefs about one's social standing. Self-esteem predicted higher and more stable feelings of status and inclusion. Although narcissistic admiration also predicted higher levels of status and inclusion, we found mixed evidence regarding its link to the instability of such feelings. Narcissistic rivalry, however, predicted more unstable feelings of status and inclusion. Conclusions: By modeling the heterogeneity of status and inclusion feelings across subgroups (Studies 1 and 2) and documenting the degree of instability people experience regarding such feelings (Study 3), these results provide insight into how self-esteem and narcissism relate to the level and instability of status and inclusion.
Narcissistic individuals exhibit poor recognition memory
(2021) Giacomin, Miranda; Brinton, Christopher; Rule, Nicholas O.
Here, we examine face memory among individuals who are self-focused and care little about others' needs: grandiose narcissists. Given narcissistic individuals' excessive self-focus and tendency to disregard the needs of others, they may struggle to recognize faces and their surrounding environment. Indeed, narcissistic individuals demonstrated worse recognition memory than non-narcissistic individuals in recognition memory tests for faces (Studies 1 [N = 332] and 2 [N = 261]). This difference also occurred for nonsocial stimuli (i.e., objects, houses, cars), suggesting a broad recognition deficit (Study 3A [N = 178], 3B [N = 203], 3C [N = 274]). Narcissistic individuals' excessive self-focus predicted this memory deficit (Study 4 [N = 187]). Grandiose narcissism may therefore influence visual recognition memory, highlighting the potential for future research linking personality and cognitive performance.
Gender stereotypes explain different mental prototypes of male and female leaders
(2022) Giacomin, Miranda; Tskhay, Konstantin O.; Rule, Nicholas O.
Previous research has demonstrated that social stereotypes associated with women's gender can preclude them from leadership positions. It remains unclear whether these stereotypes affect how people perceive male and female leaders, however. To examine people's stereotypes, we extracted their mental representations of male and female leaders and typical men/women (referred to as nonleaders) using reverse correlation. We then asked perceivers to rate these prototypes’ apparent leadership ability and traits related to power and warmth across contexts that represented typically masculine, feminine, or neutral domains. Leaders in a feminine context appeared more leaderlike than nonleaders, but as equally leaderlike in neutral and masculine contexts. Moreover, female leader faces appeared more powerful than female nonleader faces but male leader and nonleader faces appeared equally powerful. Male leaders were perceived as warmer than male nonleaders, however, whereas female leaders and nonleaders were perceived as equally warm. Thus, people’s gender, social stereotypes, and the context in which leaders are judged influence how people conceive of male and female leaders, with counterstereotypical attributes distinguishing leaders within their gender.
An analysis of electroencephalogram (EEG) with machine learning
(2024) Emery, Jesse; Phan, Nhi; Jime, Isra; Cobzas, Dana; Hassall, Cameron D.
Our capstone project was done in collaboration with Dr. Cameron Hassall from the Psychology department at MacEwan University. Our data was based on one of Dr. Hassall’s papers on “Task-level value affects trial-level reward processing” (Hassal, C, 2022), where he wanted to determine if the Anterior Cingulate Cortex was responsible or involved in decision making. To determine this, a task sequence was carried out 427 times using 12 participants over a 52 minute period. While the participants completed these tasks, brain activity was being measured using an electroencephalogram (EEG). For our project, the goal was to train a machine learning model to accurately classify an EEG event after training on past events. In greater detail, we focus on the brain signal when the participant hit the left or right button in response to the stimulus which are colored shapes.
Research Recast(ed): S2E16 - Assessment and management of high-risk offenders with Dr. Sandy Jung and Detective Greg Kitura
(2023) Miskiman, Megan; Schabert, Reinette; Jung, Sandy; Kitura, Greg
On today’s episode, Dr. Sandy Jung of MacEwan’s Psychology Department and Detective Greg Kitura of Edmonton Police Services Behavioural Assessment Unit discuss their collaborative research and work on the risk assessment of sexual and intimate partner violent perpetrators.
Research recast(ed): Following up with Dr. Trevor Hamilton
(2022) Ekelund, Brittany; Cave, Dylan; Hamilton, Trevor
Today we follow up with Dr. Trevor Hamilton, and we talk about some of the sides of science we don’t always get to see. We will talk about the process of getting published and the trials and tribulations that can happen along the way. We learn how rejection isn’t always a bad thing and how science flourishes and grows under scrutiny. We also see what Trevor is currently up to - which is a lot! So if you want to check in on Trevor’s past and present work, please visit his website at www.trevorhamiltonlab.com.
Research recast(ed): MacEwan celebrates month of scholarship - Dr. Christopher Striemer
(2022) Ekelund, Brittany; Cave, Dylan; Striemer, Christopher
Today we get brainy as we dive into neuroscience with Dr. Chris Striemer, an associate professor in MacEwan’s psychology department, whose focus is - broadly speaking - on how the brain controls various aspects of attention, perception and movement. We will talk about the cerebellum, spatial neglect, attention bias and how the brain adapts after injury - not to mention how prisms can help. You can find some fun bonus content on our Instagram as we don a pair of prisms and see how our own brains adapt.
Striking gold: navigating the education massification maze for work readiness
(2024) Enstroem, Rickard; Schmaltz, Rodney
Purpose This study investigates the impact of large-scale teaching in higher education on students’ preparedness for the workforce within the context of evolving labour market demands, the expansion of higher education and the application of high-impact teaching strategies. It synthesizes perspectives on employer work readiness, the challenges and opportunities of large-scale teaching and strategies for fostering a dynamic academia-industry feedback loop. This multifaceted approach ensures the relevance of curricula and graduates’ preparedness while addressing the skills gap through practical recommendations for aligning teaching methodologies with employer expectations. Design/methodology/approach The research methodically examines the multifaceted challenges and opportunities inherent in large-scale teaching. It focuses on sustaining student engagement, maintaining educational quality, personalizing learning experiences and cultivating essential soft skills in extensive student cohorts. Findings This study highlights the critical role of transversal skills in work readiness. It also uncovers that despite its challenges, large-scale teaching presents unique opportunities. The diversity of large student groups mirrors modern workplace complexities, and technological tools aid in personalizing learning experiences. Approaches like peer networking, innovative teaching methods, real-world simulations and collaborative resource utilization enrich education. The importance of experiential learning for augmenting large-scale teaching in honing soft skills is emphasized. Originality/value This manuscript contributes to the discourse on large-scale teaching, aligning it with employer expectations and the dynamic requirements of the job market. It offers a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities this educational approach presents, providing insights for crafting engaging and effective learning experiences in large cohorts. The study uniquely integrates experiential learning, co-creation in education and industry-academia feedback loops, underscoring their importance in enhancing student work readiness in large-scale teaching.
Prism adaptation speeds reach initiation in the direction of the prism after-effect
(2017) Striemer, Christopher; Borza, Carley A.
Damage to the temporal-parietal cortex in the right hemisphere often leads to spatial neglect – a disorder in which patients are unable to attend to sensory input from their contralesional (left) side. Neglect has been associated with both attentional and premotor deficits. That is, in addition to having difficulty with attending to the left side, patients are often slower to initiate leftward vs. rightward movements (i.e., directional hypokinesia). Previous research has indicated that a brief period of adaptation to rightward shifting prisms can reduce symptoms of neglect by adjusting the patient’s movements leftward, towards the neglected field. Although prism adaptation has been shown to reduce spatial attention deficits in patients with neglect, very little work has examined the effects of prisms on premotor symptoms. In the current study, we examined this in healthy individuals using leftward shifting prisms to induce a rightward shift in the egocentric reference frame, similar to neglect patients prior to prism adaptation. Specifically, we examined the speed with which healthy participants initiated leftward and rightward reaches (without visual feedback) prior to and following adaptation to either 17° leftward (n=16) or 17° rightward (n=15) shifting prisms. Our results indicated that, following adaptation, participants were significantly faster to initiate reaches towards targets located in the direction opposite the prism shift. That is, participants were faster to initiate reaches to right targets following leftward prism adaptation, and were faster to initiate reaches to left targets following rightward prism adaptation. Overall these results are consistent with the idea that prism adaptation can influence the speed with which a reach can be planned toward a target in the direction opposite the prism shift, possibly through altering activity in neural circuits involved in reach planning.

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