The development of psychological assessments using robot-based tools to improve characterization of psychological function

The proposed research project will focus on the development of novel techniques to improve the assessment of psychological functions. Current psychological tests are limited in their ability to provide quantitative information on an individual’s ability to move and interact with their environment. Many psychological tests are computer-based systems that have been developed to assess psychological function using simple button presses quantifying measures such as reaction time. However, these tests are not able to accurately capture the wealth of kinematic information that is generated for even the simplest motor actions such as reaching. Crucial measures such as hand speed and accuracy are critical for understanding psychological function as abnormality in these measures have been linked to psychological disorders such as depression and ADHD. The proposed research project will adapt commonly used psychological tests as a suite of tasks developed on a robotic system that can provide objective and highly quantitative measures of upper limb movement. The developed tasks will then be disseminated through multidisciplinary open access journals and online repositories to improve assessment techniques in the field of psychology.

Faculty Supervisor:

Matthieu Boisgontier

Student:

Partner:

Kinarm

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: