Healthy Volunteer Research Study
Researchers at the University of New Mexico are conducting a study with adolescents and young adults on the maturation of brain and behavior mechanisms.
Fast Facts
No Intellectual Disability or Neurological Disorder
Ages 13-21
Compensation Provided
Conducted in
Albuquerque, NM
Study Background
Researchers at the University of New Mexico are conducting The Learning and Exploration in ADolescence (LEAD) Study, which aims to chart the maturation of learning, decision-making, and exploration in behavior and MRI data in adolescence and young adulthood.
This study will examine the maturation of brain and behavioral mechanisms that motivate the exploration of novel choice options in adolescents and young adults.
Findings from this research study will determine whether persistent immaturity of exploratory decision making can predict alcohol use problems. Charting the growth curves of different novelty- directed behaviors in adolescence and young adulthood may aid in the development of preventative interventions for reducing alcohol use disorder risk in adolescence.
Participants will complete questionnaires and undergo an MRI scan every two years, for a total of four years.
Further research today and join our compensated study!
Study Background
Researchers at the University of New Mexico are conducting The Learning and Exploration in ADolescence (LEAD) Study, which aims to chart the maturation of learning, decision-making, and exploration in behavior and MRI data in adolescence and young adulthood.
This study will examine the maturation of brain and behavioral mechanisms that motivate the exploration of novel choice options in adolescents and young adults.
Findings from this research study will determine whether persistent immaturity of exploratory decision making can predict alcohol use problems. Charting the growth curves of different novelty- directed behaviors in adolescence and young adulthood may aid in the development of preventative interventions for reducing alcohol use disorder risk in adolescence.
Participants will complete questionnaires and undergo an MRI scan every two years, for a total of four years.
Further research today and join our compensated study!
Additional Information
The purpose of this study is to chart the maturation of learning, decision-making, and exploration in behavior and MRI data in adolescence and young adulthood. This study also aims to determine the degree to which immature exploratory decision making predicts alcohol use challenges.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 13-21
- No personal or immediate family with autism or other neurodevelopmental disorder
- No intellectual disability or neurological disorders
- No use of antipsychotic medications
- No lifetime or current diagnosis of alcohol use disorder (AUD)
- Able to undergo MRI
Once enrolled, the study involves:
Phase 1: Clinical neuropsychology, questionnaires, and neuroimaging (MRI) data collected from adolescents while an informant (usually parent or guardian) completes a set of questionnaires (2024)
Phase 2: Follow-up visit consisting of questionnaires and neuroimaging measures 1-2 years following the Phase 1 visit (2026)
Phase 3: Follow-up visit consisting of questionnaires and neuroimaging measures 1-2 years following the Phase 2 visit (2028)
Participants recruited from the community will receive no less than $30 for participating in the study protocol, and an additional $10 for every half hour they complete beyond the first hour of the study. Reimbursement will take the form of a Greenphire ClinCard Prepaid Mastercard.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
