An EEG (or electroencephalogram) is a non-invasive and safe technique that allows us to record the electrical activity produced by the billions of cells in the brain. When the brain is active (e.g., while we pay attention, memorize, feel emotions, etc.), the brain cells emit electricity which follows specific wave patterns. With powerful sensors attached to a cap, we can record these patterns at the level of the scalp. EEG is very similar to the method used to measure the heart beats, only that the sensors are not attached to the skin on the arm or chest, but to the skin on the head. It is IMPORTANT to remember that this method DOES NOT stimulate the brain.
If you would like to find out more about what an EEG session involves, please read here.
What is EMG?
In order to investigate the role of facial expressions in our everyday life we need precise ways of measuring them. Electromyagrphy (EMG) uses little sensors that are placed on the face to assess the activity of facial muscles. These sensors are very light in weight in order not to interfere with natural movements. Facial EMG allows us to measure facial activity in more detail than it might be possible by simply observing a child, and can even detect changes in our faces that are too subtle to be visible to the naked eye.
York Developmental Social Neuroscience lab 