Inference Skills Development for Healthy Subjects
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines how memory and inference skills develop in healthy adolescents and adults. Researchers aim to determine if certain brain areas, such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, alter their processing of complex memories with age. Participants will perform memory tasks during brain scans to observe how memory organization changes over time. The trial suits right-handed individuals with normal hearing and vision, no history of neurological or psychiatric disorders, and who are native or fluent English speakers. As an unphased trial, this study provides an opportunity to contribute to foundational research on brain development and memory.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have used psychotropic medication (except antidepressants) for longer than a month, you may not be eligible to participate.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that the methods used in this trial are generally safe for participants. One method, associative inference, involves memory and learning tasks. Researchers often test these tasks using fMRI, a safe and non-invasive way to study brain activity. Studies have found that participants handle these tasks well and experience no harm.
Similarly, researchers have safely conducted probabilistic inference studies using fMRI since the 1990s. This imaging technique is commonly used in research to observe brain function without any physical risk to participants.
Overall, the methods tested in this trial have a strong safety record in research, making them safe options for those considering joining the trial.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the inference skills development trial because it explores how different learning strategies can enhance cognitive abilities in both adults and adolescents. Unlike traditional educational techniques that often rely on repetition and memorization, this trial examines associative and probabilistic inference tasks, which encourage participants to make connections and predictions based on patterns and uncertainties. By using fMRI scanning to observe brain activity during these tasks, researchers hope to uncover new insights into how our brains learn and adapt, potentially leading to innovative educational strategies that improve learning efficiency and cognitive development.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for improving inference skills?
This trial will compare two methods for developing inference skills: associative inference and probabilistic inference. Research has shown that associative inference helps people connect related information, forming new links in memory, which can improve memory by allowing connections between different pieces of information. Participants will engage in associative inference tasks to explore these effects. In contrast, probabilistic inference involves making decisions under uncertain conditions, aiding in the creation of models to predict outcomes in complex situations. Participants will also engage in probabilistic inference tasks to understand decision-making in unclear scenarios. Both methods aim to explore and enhance how the brain processes and organizes memories and information, with adults and adolescents participating in separate arms of the trial.678910
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for healthy adolescents aged 13-18 and adults aged 19-25 who are interested in participating in memory and inference tasks. The study aims to understand brain development related to these abilities. Adolescents will be scanned three times over a period of about three years, while adults will have one scan.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Initial fMRI scanning and task performance to establish baseline data
Longitudinal Assessment
Adolescent participants undergo fMRI scanning and task performance at three timepoints, spaced 1.5 years apart
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in neural representation and task performance
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Associative Inference
- Probabilistic Inference
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Texas at Austin
Lead Sponsor
Nicole Varga
Collaborator
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator