The Re: Cognition Lab Welcomes Canada-Wide Science Fair for a Day of Discovery
On Tuesday, May 26, the University of Alberta's Psychology Department opened its doors to some of the brightest young minds in the country. The Re: Cognition Lab, led by Dr. Ben Dyson, in collaboration with the labs of Dr. Dana Hayward and Dr. Craig Chapman, hosted a session for the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) for a behind-the-scenes look at psychological research, including demonstrations of ongoing projects and research equipment.
Game On!
The tour began in the department’s Smitty Library, where students were introduced to the popular card game, Ghost Blitz.
Frequently used in the lab’s research, Ghost Blitz requires rapid perception, attention, and decision-making under time pressure. What seemed like a friendly competition was actually an introduction to how simple games can be adapted into scientific paradigms for studying cognition. Visitors also worked in groups to create their own version of the game, making them think about colour and shape discrimination.
The experience then moved into the specialized Motion Capture Laboratory, where the game took on a high-tech evolution. Students interacted with a digital adaptation of Ghost Blitz played on a large touchscreen table. This setup allowed participants to see firsthand how researchers collect and analyze behavioural data in real time, turning gameplay into measurable insights into decision-making.
Science in Motion
One of the afternoon’s highlights involved a deep dive into the technology of human movement. Several finalists donned motion-tracking gloves, allowing them to see their hand movements mapped digitally in real-time. Dr. Dyson’s team and volunteers demonstrated how this motion-capture technology is a vital tool for the Re: Cognition Lab. By recording precise physical movements, researchers can investigate how perception, attention, and decision-making unfold through patterns of movement.
Fostering the Next Generation of Researchers
The competitive spirit of the CWS followed the students into the lab, as a friendly leaderboard tracked scores throughout the day. This interactive element highlighted a core philosophy of the Re: Cognition Lab: that scientific inquiry is most powerful when it is engaging, accessible, and grounded in real-world tasks.
By show-casing the specialized equipment and experimental methods used at the University of Alberta, the event aimed to inspire these talented attendees to continue their journeys in scientific research and higher education.