Before a study is ready to be used with individuals in the MRI scanner, we first pilot the study in our lab. This gives us the opportunity to test a new procedure or stimulus presentation. Usually behavioral studies consist of 1-2 hours of volunteer time in our lab in which individuals are presented with words or pictures on the computer screen and are asked to respond to the items by pressing buttons on the keyboard.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for a behavioral study you must:

• be 18–30 or 60-85 years of age
• be a native English speaker (having learned English by age 6)
• have at least a high school diploma
• not have had any neurological disorders or diseases (e.g., stroke, head injury, epilepsy, seizures, brain tumors, brain surgery, Parkinson's Disease)
• not have had diagnosis or suspicion of dyslexia or a learning disability

MRI Studies

Most MRI studies last 3-4 hours total (1-2 hours in the scanner itself) and involve the same type of tasks undertaken in the behavioral studies: simply viewing words or pictures on a screen and responding with corresponding button presses. Before beginning the MRI experiment, you will fill out informed consent and screening forms. The experimenter will explain these in detail and answer any questions you may have regarding the task or the scanner itself. When you are ready to begin the experiment, the researchers will have you lie down on a bed outside of the scanner and insert foam earplugs. Your head will be positioned inside a headcoil, and padding will be placed around it for comfort and stability. You will be given a response button box in one hand and an emergency squeeze ball in the other. Goggles placed over your eyes will allow you to view the stimulus screen. Once set, the bed will move into the scanner and the experiment will begin. Throughout the scanning session you will be in full contact with the experimenters through a two-way intercom system.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for an MRI study you must:

• be 18–30 or 60-85 years of age
• be right-handed
  
• be a native English speaker (having learned English by age 6)
• have at least a high school diploma

In addition, you must NOT:

• have any history of, or be taken medication for, psychiatric disorders or diseases (e.g., depression, anxiety, or mood disorders), or neurological disorders or diseases (e.g., stroke, head injury, epilepsy, seizures, brain tumors, brain surgery, Parkinson's Disease)
• have high blood pressure not controlled by medication
  
• have diagnosis or suspicion of dyslexia or a learning disability
• be claustrophobic
• have difficulty lying on your back in the same position for 2 hours
• weigh over 225 lbs
• have any metal pins, plates, prostheses, or implanted devices in your body such as: cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator, insulin or infusion pump, cochlear, otologic, or ear implant, any implant held in place by a magnet, tissue expanders (plastic surgery), implanted catheter, clamp, clips, valves, or other metal, shrapnel or metal fragments
• have ever worked with metal (grinding, fabricating, etc.) or had metal fragments enter your eye
• have any non-removable body piercing
• have tattoos with metallic ink, tattoos or permanent make-up above the shoulders
• be pregnant (females participating in MRI studies will be required to give a small amount of blood for a pregnancy test)

Note: Dental fillings and crowns are acceptable.

Interested?  Click here to sign up!