We use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure brain activation in people performing various behavioural tasks. We are conducting several studies in the areas of memory and decision making. Our goal is to provide new understanding in these areas to improve clinical treatments.

Participation would involve lying down in an MRI scanner, viewing some words or pictures, and pressing some buttons in response, while we scan your brain activity. If you wanted, you would get to see a picture of your brain. As part of the study, you would also have to fill out some questionnaires. The experiment would be conducted at the University of Alberta campus and would take 2 to 3 hours from start to finish, of which about one hour would be fMRI scanning.

To participate, one has to meet the following criteria:

• Age 18-30
• Right-handed
• Not claustrophobic
• No metal in or on head or neck (dental fillings are okay, braces are not, metal surgical pins or plates are not okay)
• No history of neurological or psychiatric diagnosis
• No psychoactive or vasoactive medications
• No non-removeable piercings
• No tattoos on head or neck
  
• No use of alcohol for at least 24 hours
• No use of "recreational" substances (eg: amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana) for at least 36 hours
• If optical correction needed:
  • participant must have contact lenses OR
  • we can provide MRI-compatible glasses for prescriptions within the -6.00 to +6.00 diopter range (with no or minimal astigmatism).

Please also take a look at these:

• MRI Screening Form (female / male) - important!
• Bring contact lenses if needed! (normal glasses cannot go in the MRI scanner)

For more information, please contact Christopher Madan at cmadan@ualberta.ca.