Study Volunteers
Are you interested in becoming a Volunteer?
You may NOT participate in a study if you answer yes to ANY of these questions:
- Do you have ANY medical devices or surgical implants in or on your body?
- Have you ever had an incident of rust or metal fragments in your eyes or removed from your eyes?
- Are you are pregnant?
- Are you are claustrophobic?
- Do you have braces or permanent bridges or retainers?
- Other conditions may prohibit you from participating based on the requirements of the primary investigator?
If you answered no to all of the above questions, here are some frequently asked questions that might help you to decide:
Q: What do the experiments study?
A: There are many exciting possibilities using MRI, MEG, and EEG to study the brain. Some of the approaches scientists are using include:
- How are cognitive, language, spatial and psychological processes (to name only a few) localized in brain tissue?
- How do these distinct activations overlap?
- How are cognitive control and performance related?
- Are there competing psychological models for task performance?
Q: What happens during the experiments?
A: Every experiment will be different but generally, during the exam you will lay inside an MRI Scanner, with your head inside a receiver coil, which is similar to a large basket. Some studies involve performing a simple task, usually, in response to some sort of stimulus. The specific tasks will be explained in detail and may be practiced in the MRI simulator prior to the study. This practice will also give you a general idea of what it will be like inside the scanner.
Q: What is the scanner like?
A: The area inside the scanner is about 6 feet long and can feel very narrow if you are claustrophobic. The MRI machine makes loud, pulsating sounds when it is operating and earplugs are required.
Q: How can I communicate if I don’t like the experiment?
A: There is an intercom system that will allow you to communicate with researchers during the study and an alarm bell if you need immediate removal from the scanner. You may change your mind about participating in any study, at any time.
Q: Will I be paid?
A: The primary investigator of each research study will determine any compensation for volunteers and advertise compensation in their recruiting notices.
Please check the Upcoming Events to see if there is a study that is recruiting volunteers. Then fill out the Metal Screening Form and HIPPA Form and email it to the primary investigator of the study you are volunteering for. Your personal information will be kept strictly confidential.
Parking instructions
Study participants will receive directions to the FSU campus, FSU MRI Facility parking instructions and basic information about your scanning study by the Primary Investigator or Project Contact of the study.