Participating in a Study
If you are interested in a particular study, first we will go over what the study is all about. You will have a chance to ask questions and then decide if you want to participate. Here’s what participation usually involves:
* Coming to our lab with your parent or guardian
* Answering survey questions about yourself
* Playing computer games that have to do with how you think and feel (for example, you might see different pictures or hear different sounds and rate how you feel about them)
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Depending on the study, participation may also include having an fMRI scan. An MRI machine is a large magnet that takes pictures of the brain while you lie very still. Those pictures give us an idea of what’s happening inside your brain. Inside the scanner, you will play games similar to those you play on the computer in our lab. Here’s a video that shows what it’s like to get an MRI scan. Being scanned for our studies will be very similar, but don’t worry, there will be no needles involved!
Will anyone see my information?
No. We will keep your answers to survey questions and all your other information confidential by replacing your name with a number. We will keep the list of names and the numbers we assign them safely locked away. Keep in mind, that you can also skip any questions or tasks that you don’t want to do.
What do I get for participating?
You will be paid for your time. The exact amount will depend on the study. Feel free to also ask us questions about how the brain changes over time, or anything else that catches your interest. Let us know if you would also like a picture of your brain to keep!