What does it mean to be part of a research study?
If you were a part of our study you would come to a building on UNC’s campus or the UNC Biomedical Research Imaging Center so we can learn more about you. The information you give us will be put together with information from other kids and teens so we can begin to understand peoples’ thoughts, behaviors, and feelings, and what they experience as they grow up.
What kinds of information do you want to find out about me?
There is a lot of stuff about you that we find very interesting. All of our studies are a little different, but we usually want to find out similar things…
We sometimes ask you to answer questions about your thoughts and feelings. We might ask you questions about your thoughts and feelings on yourself, your friends, or your family, and how your body is changing as you grow up.
We sometimes want to know about how you respond to different kinds of information, like pictures of different people or scenes. You might look at these kinds of pictures on a computer screen, and make decisions about them by pressing buttons.
Sometimes we want to take measurements of your brain! We can see your brain using different techniques, like an MRI or an EEG. Both of them can measure how your brain responds to different kinds of information. Neither of them hurt at all. For an MRI, you lie inside a big machine for a little while and it takes pictures. For an EEG, you wear a little hat with small squishy sponges on it. You can see pictures and videos below!
Will anyone find out my answers?
All of the information you give us will be kept confidential, which means it is private. Anything you provide will be kept in a locked cabinet and will not have your name on it.
Do I get anything for participating?
If you participate in our studies, you will be paid money for your time. We will also give you more information on the specific study you participate in, so you can learn about the brain and how it changes as you grow up. If you get an MRI scan, we can also give you a picture of your brain to take home!
What’s it like to have an MRI scan?
Our friends in California made a video about what it’s like to have an MRI scan. Our MRI scans are very similar to the ones they describe. Check it out!
Thanks to Silvia Bunge & Moriah Thomason for sharing this video.
Can I stop if i don’t like it?
Absolutely! You can stop participating at any time, without any punishment or penalty.
How do I get involved?
If you are interested in our research studies, you or your parent can send us an email or give us a call! You can email circlelab@unc.edu or call us at 919-962-3993.