Measuring Behavior '98

2nd International Conference on Methods and Techniques
in Behavioral Research

Groningen, The Netherlands
18-21 August 1998

Measuring Behavior '98, the 2^nd International Conference on Methods and Techniques in Behavioral Research was held at the University of Groningen, The Netherlands, 18-21 August 1998. With almost 300 delegates from 32 countries, the meeting was a great success. The conference offered a variety of ways to gather and exchange information. The scientific program consisted of oral presentations, poster sessions, demonstrations and scientific tours. What made Measuring Behavior '98 extra special were the technical training sessions, user meetings and a unique video digitization service. There was also an exhibition of scientific books, instruments and software. Of course, a pleasant social program was included as well. And after the meeting, delegates explored Groningen and surroundings on one of the post-conference excursions. If you want to taste the atmosphere during and after the meeting, take a look at the photo gallery!

Integration of Behavior and Physiology

Measuring Behavior ’98 devoted special attention to the integration of advanced behavioral research with physiological measurements. With "integration" we refer to the measurement of behavioral characteristics combined with in vivo (non-invasive) recording of the dynamic changes in time of physiological parameters. Exciting new developments in both the behavioral and physiological sciences make such an integration feasible. The development of techniques and generic software tools can form a bridge between disciplines, which are often unaware of techniques already available in other fields. For example, data analysis methods stemming from ethology are now being used by applied psychologists, and path analysis techniques originally designed by entomologists are equally useful for behavioral pharmacologists studying rodents. Moreover, recent developments in radiotelemetry, brain imaging, chip technology and biosensor techniques originally used by physiologists are now being used for simultaneous recording of physiological processes and behavior. To this end, Measuring Behavior '98, just as in 1996, served as a common ground for crossfertilization of research disciplines.

Conference Venue Measuring Behavior ’98 was be held at the Center for Biological Sciences of the University of Groningen in Haren, The Netherlands. The conference was hosted by prof. dr. J.M. Koolhaas of the Department of Animal Physiology. The university, founded in 1614, is the second oldest of the country. Featuring a historic city center with great outdoor terraces and located close to the Wadden Sea, one of Europe’s most beautiful wetland nature areas, Groningen was an excellent venue for our conference.

More Information

• The Measuring Behavior Conferences - Measuring Behavior �98 was the second in a series. Read about the background and the concept behind the conferences.
• Published Conference Papers - A selection of papers from the conference has been published as a special issue of the journal Behavior Research Methods, Instruments & Computers. Click here to review the contents and to order your personal copy.
• Conference Program at a Glance - An overview of all conference activities, organized by day.
• Presentations: Index by Topic - An overview of all oral presentations, posters and demonstrations, grouped by topic category, with links to the abstracts.
• Presentations: Index by Author - An overview of all oral presentations, posters and demonstrations, ordered alphabetically by first author, with links to the abstracts.
• Scientific Tours - Six behavioral research laboratories in and around the University of Groningen offered guided tours to conference delegates.
• Technical Training - Technical training and assistance in the use of software and instrumentation for behavioral research is one of the key elements of a Measuring Behavior conference.
• Video Digitization Service - This was a great opportunity for those eager to enter the world of digital video, or curious what it can mean for their own research.
• Exhibition - Twenty companies participated in an exhibition of scientific books, instruments and software.
• User Meetings - These sessions were organized by manufacturers of software and instrumentation for behavioral and physiological research. The program included presentations about new developments, demonstrations of new products and a panel discussion.
• Social Program - The program included various informal occasions where one met coleagues while enjoying haute cuisine!
• Conference Venue - Information about the conference site, the University and the city of Groningen.
• Post-Conference Excursions - After the meeting, delegates explored Groningen and surroundings.
• Conference Organization - Program Committee, Local Organizing Committee and Conference Secretariat.
• Quotes from Delegates - Read what participants had to say about the meeting.
• Photo Gallery - The Measuring Behavior '98 Photo Gallery gives you an impression of the atmosphere during the conference. Have a look!