Methodology


Image credit: Biopac
Image credit: Nicole Landi
In my research, I use multiple methodologies in concert, including classic psychological tools of self-report, computerized cognitive paradigms, neurological markers of executive function (event-related potentials or ERPs), and physiological measures of arousal (heart-rate variability or HRV). I also have experience with several different packages for sentiment analysis, which are helpful in processing large qualitative datasets, and I am always looking to play with a new methodological tool if given the chance. However, I try to be strategic in my methodology. That is, I only use the tool that is most appropriate for the hypothesis, rather than trying the "fanciest" one, or using all at once. Just as we should be wary of the benefits and pitfalls of statistical techniques, so, too, should we be wise to the advantages and limits of our methodologies. See below for evidence to my skillset in each of the domains.
Electroenchephalography (EEG)
Trained in event-related potential (ERP) techniques since in 2009.
Software & Hardware: Net Station, EPrime
Publications: Reinka & Leach, 2018
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Impedance Cardiography (PEP)
Trained in measures of cardiac arousal techniques since in 2013.
Software & Hardware: Biopac, Acqknowledge, Mindware
Publications: Giuliano, Reinka, & Skowron, 2015 (poster)
Text Analysis Approaches
Trained in computerized text analysis programs, as well as R and python programs for sentiment analysis.
Software: LIWC, Meaning Extraction Helper, sentimentR, textblob
Publications: Reinka & Leach, 2017; Reinka & Pound, 2019 (talk)
Other
Limited experience with webscraping techniques and mousetracking methodologies.
Software: MouseTracker, beautifulsoup (python)