Introduction
The Chronopsychology and Cognitive Systems Laboratory (ChronCog), based at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Coimbra, conducts fundamental, translational, and applied research on the interrelationship between biological rhythms, cognitive functioning, emotional dynamics, and health, with a particular emphasis on individual differences and on different stages of human development.
The laboratory’s projects involve children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, aiming to understand how diurnal preferences (morningness–eveningness) and time of day influence processes such as learning, memory, language processing, cognitive control, and emotional states.
Another line of research focuses on the understanding and effective intervention in sleep–wake cycle disorders, including problems such as insomnia and nightmares.
Research Areas
Research conducted at ChronCog focuses on several domains, namely:
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Circadian rhythms and cognitive performance: study of the influence of time of day on cognitive processes.
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Chronotype and individual differences: investigation of diurnal preferences (morningness–eveningness) and their implications for learning, productivity, and daily functioning.
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Sleep and mental health: understanding sleep disorders and developing effective interventions.
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Emotional dynamics and cognitive regulation: analysis of the interactions between biological rhythms, cognition, and emotional states.
Impact and Applications
By exploring the neurocognitive foundations of psychological phenomena related to biological rhythms, ChronCog aims to contribute to the development of best practices and evidence-based interventions, promoting improved outcomes in education, work efficiency and performance, health, and psychological well-being.
Research Methods, Equipment and Laboratory Resources
Through its successive research projects, ChronCog employs a range of methodologies, as well as diverse equipment and laboratory resources, including:
Research Methods
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Psychometric assessment (e.g., the BANC – Coimbra Neuropsychological Assessment Battery and the Animal Stroop Test);
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Validation and standardization of assessment instruments;
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Computerized experimental tasks;
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Recording of neurophysiological activity through electroencephalography (EEG) and event-related potentials (ERPs);
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Monitoring of activity and sleep patterns through actigraphy;
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Development and evaluation of empirically supported intervention protocols, including feasibility studies and clinical trials.
Research Equipment and Platforms
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High-density EEG system (64 channels, BioSemi; ERP extraction software: EMSE Suite);
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5 individual E-Prime 3.0 licenses and 1 network license (18 users);
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4 Chronos Button Box devices for recording reaction times with 1 millisecond precision.
Monitoring and Intervention Equipment
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AMI Motionlogger actigraphs for activity and sleep monitoring (acquired in 2024 with support from the Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention);
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EMDR Kit Wireless Set (Light Tube, Pulsators and Headphones);
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Luminette 3 light therapy devices, which emit white light enriched with blue light at 464 nm, simulating the effect of sunlight on circadian rhythms.
Facilities
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Building 1 – dedicated electroencephalography laboratory, in operation since 2016 (used in the Bial Project and in the PhD research of Luís Pires).
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Building 2 – work and meeting room, as well as soundproof rooms with adjustable lighting for individual data collection using E-Prime.