Healthy Brains Research Study
Researchers at the University of Maryland are conducting a study in healthy adults ages 18-55 to learn more about cognitive functioning and performance in typical brains.
Fast Facts
Generally Healthy
18-55 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Catonsville, MD
Study Background
Researchers at the University of Maryland are conducting a study in healthy adults ages 18-55 to learn more about cognitive functioning and performance in typical brains.
Many decisions in daily life involve weighing costs and benefits. For example, deciding to lift weights regularly has the costs of time and effort, but the benefits of making you stronger over time. In this study, we will try to quantify each participant’s willingness to exert effort for particular amounts of reward.
Later, we hope to use the findings of this study to make comparisons with people who have atypically functioning brains – for example, people with depression – so we can better understand why they may struggle with certain tasks.
Study Background
Researchers at the University of Maryland are conducting a study in healthy adults ages 18-55 to learn more about cognitive functioning and performance in typical brains.
Many decisions in daily life involve weighing costs and benefits. For example, deciding to lift weights regularly has the costs of time and effort, but the benefits of making you stronger over time. In this study, we will try to quantify each participant’s willingness to exert effort for particular amounts of reward.
Later, we hope to use the findings of this study to make comparisons with people who have atypically functioning brains – for example, people with depression – so we can better understand why they may struggle with certain tasks.
Additional Information
In this research study, we want to measure individual differences in cognitive performance by assessing people’s willingness to spend effort in order to get rewards. Later on, this will help us understand more about motivational differences with conditions like depression.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18-55 years old
- Healthy individuals with no significant psychiatric or medical conditions
- No substance use disorder
- No significant neurological disorder
- No history of a head injury with loss of consciousness greater than 10 minutes
- No current prescription of opioid medication
- No current use of psychiatric medication
Our study involves two in-clinic sessions and an at home portion.
In clinic sessions involve:
- Several computer tasks during which participants are asked to make
decisions about options that are presented on a computer screen - Assessments where a trained interviewer will ask about recent experiences
- Questionnaires where participants are asked about recent experiences
At home portion involves:
- Carrying a study-provided smartphone for 2 weeks
- Answering short surveys on the smartphone when notifications are received
As a participant, you will receive compensation for your time and effort.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
