The collection and analysis of reaction time and accuracy data, to inform models of mental health and illness, is a fundamental component of the PLAN Lab research program. The PLAN Lab is equipped with 5 behavioural testing desktop computers, 4 data analysis computers, 3 laptops and 4 surface tablets. Combined with traditional assessment techniques, behavioural testing provides enhanced validity and reliability in measuring cognitive function and biases. As such, behavioural paradigms have been the cornerstone of many breakthroughs in the field of mental health (for a review on eating disorders, see Dobson & Dozois, 2004; for depression, see Segal et al., 1995; Gotlib & Joornann, 2010; for anxiety, see Cisler & Koster, 2010). These paradigms are typically self-perpetuating, allowing for continuous advancement and refinement of methodological techniques. Currently, members of the PLAN lab are using behavioural testing equipment to examine cognitive bias in eating disorders and to develop cognitive bias modification paradigms tailored for clinical and sub-clinical eating disordered populations.
