Welcome to the TaPer Lab (Tactile Perception Lab). We are located at the Center for Cognitive and Brain Sciences at IIT Gandhinagar. We study the cognitive and neural mechanisms of human tactile perception.
Humans perform a remarkable range of tactile behaviors; we can take out the correct key from our pockets, differentiate between different kinds of silk sarees, and grip an egg as easily as gripping a cricket ball. However, all the mysteries of the tactile system are not very apparent and so not fully appreciated. Phenomenologists say touch perception gives rise to the feeling of being. In contrast, other senses depend on the tactile sense for the sense of being to operate. It is the only sense that can function as sender and receiver (the hand can touch itself). Thus, touch enjoys a “primacy” among all the senses.
The goal of the lab is to deepen our understanding of the cognitive processes and neural underpinnings of human tactile behavior. Broadly, we are interested in understanding multimodal tactile perception, categorical perception, plasticity and learning in the tactile system. We use various techniques such as human psychophysics, EEG, tDCS and TMS to answer exciting research questions (some are listed below).
Although we are grounded in techniques and theories in cognitive neuroscience, we aspire to be a space where ideas about touch and tactile perception from different disciplines can intermingle. We collaborate with designers and architects to gain a holistic understanding of how the tactile sense works in society, built architecture, online environments and in VR/AR. Do email us if you are interested.
Multimodal Tactile Perception
No sense operates alone. We are interested in understanding how tactile perception is influenced by other senses (audition/vision) to create a unified percept. Especially, we are interested in the concept of ‘similarity’ across sound and touch.
Language and Perception
This project investigates the Sapir-Worf hypothesis in tactile perception. Does language enhance or aid tactile perception? Or is perception impenetrable to the influences of language?
Sound Symbolism in Tactile Sense
We are exploring the causal mechanisms for synesthetic correspondences between two senses. We use the haptic-sound correspondences paradigm in normal and visually impaired subjects to study such mechanisms.
Embodiment of Tools
Handheld tools are integrated into the somatosensory system effortlessly, like pens and screwdrivers. We want to understand how tools integrate into the body schema and how it enhances embodiment and performance. Using measurements of implicit body schema, tactile localization, and movement trajectory, we are interested in understanding this integration of the tools.
Neural Representation (EEG signals) of Textures
Texture is a material property perceived through our skin (also sound and vision). We are interested in understanding how brain signals (EEG) patterns encode different tactile textures.
Developing new materials for texture perception
(with Prof. Sriharitha Rowuthu)
We are collaborating with Functional Material Laboratory (Home | FML_IITGN (sriharithafml.wixsite.com) to develop artificial materials with controlled micro- and nano-level patterning and wetting capability on their surfaces. We are interested in how these functional properties contribute to tactile perception.
Plasticity and Perceptual Learning
We are interested in how humans learn tactile skills and how they improve tactile acuity. Using non-invasive brain stimulation technologies (tDCS & TMS), we are interested in the neural underpinnings of perceptual learning and transfer. We are also interested in the effect of lifelong training in the improvement of tactile acuity.
Tactile experience in Architecture
We are exploring Juhani Pallasmaa’s idea of “hapticity” in the perception of the built environment in relation to modern cognitive science theories of multimodal perception, extended touch, and embodied cognition.
Tactile Hallucinations in Schizophrenia
One of the most troubling symptoms of schizophrenia is the perception of sensory hallucinations. Tactile hallucinations, which manifest as perceiving touch when there is no stimulus is commonly reported. We are interested in understanding the neural mechanisms of such hallucinations
Interactive Tools for Teaching Neuroscience
In collaboration with designers and artists, we are interested in developing new tools to think deeply about neuroscientific data and concepts. We had developed an interactive website to delve into the complex data set of neuronal numbers across different animal brains (Collaborator: Prof. Venkatesh Rajamanickam, IDC, IIT Bombay)
Neurons (info-design-lab.github.io)