Better Data conference to showcase new behavioural science research tech

How can new technologies help us measure human behaviour? Join some of the country’s best-known science journalists and researchers at Better Data: Technologies for Measuring Behaviour on October 26th – an event showcasing how and why we should improve the collection of big data.

BBC Radio 4’s Dr Adam Rutherford and Guardian science correspondent Dr Hannah Devlin will be presenting alongside behavioural science experts from across the UK, giving their take on emerging tech and how it can benefit research.

The day’s speakers include UCL’s Professor Sophie Scott, Twins Early Development Study director Professor Robert Plomin (King’s College London), Dr Suzy Moat (Associate Professor of Behavioural Science at Warwick Business School) and Dr George Mackerron, a Lecturer in Economics at the University of Sussex.

Organised by Goldsmiths’ Dr Sophie von Stumm and taking place at SOAS, Better Data will also showcase the latest behaviour assessment technology from a range of pioneering labs, with attendees invited to try out new tools ranging from customisable experiment building software to online survey and assessment programs.

Two years ago, Dr von Stumm wanted to find out if the changes in mood that we experience in our daily lives influence how well our brains work. She worked with PSYT’s Dr George Mackerron to develop the iPhone app moo-Q that repeatedly assesses people’s mood and cognitive function.

Development of the app led to the realisation that smartphones - or better communication technology - are powerful tools for studying behaviour and that there is a vast number of new technologies helping the collection of ‘big’ high-quality data on behaviour.

However, Dr von Stumm argues that knowledge of new technologies is not widespread, and in particular early career researchers often don’t have the resources and expertise to apply technology successfully in their work.

Sophie and her team are hosting Better Data, an event bringing together established scientists, technology companies and media experts to teach early career researchers about the latest technologies in behavioural science.

The programme has been designed to give early career researchers hands-on experience of various technologies, to advise them on using technology, and to help them develop their own research technology

Better Data is funded by funded by a British Academy Rising Star award to Dr Sophie von Stumm, who directs the Hungry Mind Lab within the Department of Psychology at Goldsmiths.

Registration for the conference costs £10

Visit better-data.co.uk for more information