Performance Science Lab
Understanding the science and art of human performance
Our lab studies human performance and creativity in all its forms. We are particularly interested in how people learn to perform complex skills in high stakes environments, and how feedback and assessment support skill acquisition. We also explore how to optimize performance at the later stages of skill development. Much of our current work is focused on the education of health professionals, musicians and athletes.We bring an interdisciplinary approach to our research. Members of our lab are drawn from fields of study that span several different programs and departments, mostly (but not entirely) at McMaster University.Please note that we are not currently accepting any new undergraduate or graduate students.
Current Research Areas
Competency-based medical education
Competence by Design (CBD) represents a recent change initiative designed to improve medical training during residency. Through novel learning and assessment methods, the program promises better physicians and enhanced patient care. As the dominant training model in Canada, our lab is currently investigating its impact. Primarily, we are focused on its implementation in local residency programs.
Movement, Motor Control and Sensory feedback
Movement is often defined as a change in position or location. When purposeful and controlled, movement can advance technical performance, such as surgery. Within our lab, we focused on developing new technologies and algorithms that track limb segments, hands, and instruments. These technologies will be used to determine attributes of movement in different population. Additionally, some of our recent work is focused on processes that facilitate movement. For example, we are currently examining the role of sensory feedback.
Observational Learning
Observational learning represents one of the most common ways of learning in society. However, its role and potential benefits for surgical learning have yet to be understood. Within our lab, we’re currently examining the influence of observational learning within the surgical context. Particularly, we’re focused on how observation of others making mistakes can be optimized to improve the learning of surgical skills. By understanding more about the influence of observation on surgical skill learning, we can better understand how research from other fields applies to surgical skills. Additionally, we can create educational experiences that maximize the value of clinical encounters during residency.
Attention in Education
We are examining how attentional resources are allocated at various stages in the learning process.
feedback and assessment in Sport and Surgery
We are developing and validating new methods of evaluating skill acquisition and learning in surgical trainees and elite athletes. We are also establishing indices of 'typical' performance.
GROUP DECISION MAKING IN MEDICAL EDUCATION
We are studying how groups work together to make promotion decisions in postgraduate medical education. We are particularly interested in improving processes around decision making for competence committees.
machine learning in MEDICAL EDUCATION
We are exploring ways to use machine learning to reduce error rates, and improve the way that surgical trainees are taught how to interpret diagnostic images.
Music Cognition
We are engaged in a number of studies in the LIVELab that are examining the neuroscience that underlies music perception, cognition, and performance.
Sound Design
We are studying various aspects of sound in creative performance, both in the livelab and in some local professional theatres.
Transition PointS IN MEDICAL TRAINING
We are looking at ways to facilitate the transition through the various stages of medical training.
Video-Based Training
We are examining how video-based training can be most effectively used in surgical and sports training.
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