Visual Stimuli and Brain Imaging for Memory Behavior
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores memory formation by examining responses to various visual images. Researchers use tools like eye tracking, which monitors gaze, and fMRI, which scans brain activity, to gain insights into memory. Participants will view images and attempt to remember them, with sessions lasting about 1-3 hours. The trial seeks healthy, right-handed individuals who are native English speakers, with age requirements varying by study. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research on memory formation.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it does exclude people using psychoactive drugs. If you are taking any psychoactive medications, you may not be eligible to participate.
What prior data suggests that these methods are safe for participants?
Research has shown that both eye tracking and fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) are safe and noninvasive tools used in many studies. Eye tracking involves observing where and how long someone looks at objects. It is widely used in fields like construction safety and education, with no reported harmful effects.
fMRI is a brain scan that measures blood flow to indicate brain activity. It is considered safe and is frequently used in medical settings to study brain function. No known harmful effects have been associated with fMRI, making it a common choice for studying brain activity related to memory and other cognitive skills.
Both techniques are well-tolerated, with no significant negative effects reported in the reviewed studies. Participants in studies using these methods typically do not experience discomfort or risk.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to understand memory behavior through visual stimuli. Traditional methods often rely on verbal or written tests to assess memory. However, this trial uses cutting-edge techniques like eye tracking and fMRI pattern similarity to observe how the brain processes and remembers visual information. By directly measuring how different visual stimuli impact memory, these methods offer a more comprehensive and precise understanding of memory processes. This could lead to breakthroughs in diagnosing and treating memory-related conditions, setting it apart from current approaches that might not capture the full picture of how our brains handle visual memory.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for memory behavior?
Research shows that eye tracking, which participants in this trial may experience, helps researchers understand how people take in and remember information. By following eye movements, researchers can see how the brain organizes visual input, aiding memory. Studies have found that eye tracking reveals how people think and learn, which is crucial for forming memories.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is another tool used in this trial. Studies have shown it can track brain activity during memory tasks, highlighting which brain areas are involved in remembering visual information. This technique allows researchers to understand the link between brain activity and memory performance.
Together, these methods, explored in the various treatment arms of this trial, provide valuable insights into how people create unique memories, even when experiences are similar. They offer promising ways to study memory in greater detail.36789Who Is on the Research Team?
Brice A Kuhl, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
University of Oregon
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for healthy, right-handed native English speakers from the University of Oregon area. For behavioral studies, participants must be aged 18-35. For fMRI studies, they can be between 18-80 years old. People with mental health disorders, drug use or sleep deficits are excluded.Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Experimental Sessions
Participants engage in behavioral, fMRI, and eye tracking experiments to study memory formation and interference
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for data analysis and outcome measures after experimental sessions
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Eye tracking
- fMRI
- Visual stimulus similarity
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Oregon
Lead Sponsor