Research Projects
The Toegel Lab consists of a variety of research domains, each explored within our specialized laboratories (described below). Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in one or more of these labs. Every semester, students from across all laboratories come together for laboratory meetings, where we discuss ongoing research projects, conceptual issues, and trending topics in psychology and behavior analysis.
The Toegel lab is currently accepting undergraduate and graduate students.
To join the lab, click on "Join us" above.
Experimental Analysis of Behavior Laboratory (EAB Lab)
In our EAB lab, we conduct laboratory-based research with rat subjects to understand behavior often characterized as problematic, including failures in self-control, relapse, and behavioral disruptions caused by environmental changes. Additionally, we investigate the principles that drive effective behavior-change strategies and seek ways to enhance their impact.
Current IACUC protocols: (1) Investigating Rat Performance in Reinforcing Environments, (2) Investigating Self-Controlled Choice in Rats, (3) Evaluating Drug Effects on Self-Controlled Choice in Rats, (4) Evaluating the Role of Signals on Pausing under Ratio Schedules, (5) Behavioral Effects of Dynamic Environments Involving Reinforcement and Extinction
Human Operant Performance Laboratory (HOP Lab)
In our HOP lab, we conduct laboratory-based research with human participants to explore complex behavior, including avoidance ,escape, relapse, and behavioral disruptions. We also aim to bridge the gap between animal and human research, investigate the principles that drive effective behavior-change strategies, and seek ways to enhance their impact. Participants engage in computer-based learning experiences designed to examine these behavioral processes.
Current IRB protocols: (1) Evaluating Human Operant Performance Methodology on the Study of Avoidance, (2) Evaluating Human Operant Performance Methodology on the Study of Relapse, (3) Effects of Visual Impairment on Performance in a Driving Simulator Laboratory Experience in Psychological Research II
Recently, our lab, in collaboration with two other NMU labs as Co-Investigators, was awarded a Major Research Instrumentation grant ($413,282) to acquire a state-of-the-art high-density electroencephalogram (HD-EEG) system, featuring high-density transcranial electric stimulation (HD-tES) neuromodulation technology and time-locked dual acquisition capabilities. This advanced technology will be integrated into our relapse studies to enhance our research.
Download a copy of one of our human-operant programs (compatible with any PC): Find download here. This program is free for anyone, excluding use for commercial purposes (licensed by Dr. Forrest Toegel March 2022).
Northern Center for Learning and Health (NCLH)
The mission of the NCLH laboratory is to advance the understanding and application of behavioral principles to address the complex challenges of substance abuse, unemployment, and poverty. Through rigorous, collaborative research, we aim to develop and evaluate interventions to reduce these societal problems and train the next generation of researchers and practitioners by equipping students with the skills to tackle these complex issues. Recent focus has included substances such as opioids, cocaine, and alcohol.
This research is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). Currently, there are grant-funded Research Assistant positions available for Master's students. Contact Dr. Forrest Toegel (ftoegel@nmu.edu) for more information.
Current IRB protocols: (1) Therapeutic Workplace for Homeless Adults with Alcohol Use Disorders, (2) Contingency Management to Enhance Office-Based Buprenorphine Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder, (3) Long-Term Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder
Applied Behavior Analysis Lab (ABA Lab)
In our ABA lab, we conduct both clinically oriented laboratory-based research and field research to enhance clinical practice in Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis. Currently, we are focused on projects designed to improve clinical skill development, particularly for therapists in ABA and Clinical Psychology, as well as caregivers.
Other research interests include training health prevention behavior (e.g., safe sleep practices), child skill development strategies, evaluating preference for different reinforcement schedules, reinforcer displacement, assessment and treatment of challenging behavior, and exploring key issues in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. Research locations may be conducted in the ABA lab in the Department of Psychological Science and the BEAR Center, an on-campus clinic.
Current IRB protocols: Effects of Performance Feedback on Learning and Preference
