1. What is this study about?
We are studying how fear and anxiety affect the brains of people with and without PTSD or anxiety disorders. More specifically, we are interested in understanding how fear can affect people’s mood and sensory perception. To do this, we use electroencephalography (or EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (or MRI) and non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS). Because we are studying fear, we also present unpleasant images and sounds to participants during parts of the study.
2. I have never had an EEG or MRI, what should I expect?
An EEG involves the application of an EEG cap as well as specialized gel to receive recordings from the brain. The EEG cap is like a swimmer’s cap, except that it has a series of holes with recording electrodes. We will apply the gel to each electrode over the course of 45 minutes to an hour. The gel washes out with shampoo and water, and we give participants the opportunity to wash out their hair following each EEG.
An MRI scanner uses a powerful magnet to image the brain or other parts of the body. In our experiment, participants will be in the MRI for about 1.5 hours. The machine is loud, so participants are given hearing protection. However, participants can communicate with the experimenters during this session using either an intercom or an alarm bell. To ensure safety, all participants and experimenters are screened for hazardous metals before being allowed into the MRI room.
3. What is the electrical stimulation? Does it hurt?
For 20 minutes during the MRI, we apply a mild electrical stimulation to the back of participants’ heads. The stimulation is of interest to our research as a potential treatment for PTSD. The sensation of the stimulation can be described as a tapping feeling and warmth on the back of the head. For the first 3 minutes of stimulation, we actively communicate with the participant to monitor these sensations. At no point should the stimulation hurt, but if it were to, we can adjust the settings until it is no longer uncomfortable.
4. How long is the experiment?
The experiment has up to four separate, in-person visits. The first visit includes a clinical interview, initial paperwork, a practice task, and an introduction to the MRI scanner. This visit should take no longer than two hours. The second visit is when the EEG, MRI, and electrical stimulation are conducted. It is spread out over three hours, with one hour of EEG setup and a 1.5-hour MRI. The third and fourth visits are contingent on the results of the interview during the first visit. These visits will only include an EEG, with no MRI or electrical stimulation, and last about 1.5 hours. In total, the first two visits are about 4.5 hours, and the complete four visits are 7.5 hours.
5. How will I be compensated?
Participants are compensated $20 an hour to the nearest half hour in cash for their participation. We offer psychology students 1 SONA credit an hour, for a maximum of 4 credits. A combination of SONA credits and cash compensation is also available. Most participants are compensated $90 or $150, depending on the number of visits. If at any point a participant withdraws from the study, they are compensated fully for the time spent during with the experiment.
6. How can I get to FSU?
During the first visit, participants can park at our clinic. On check-in, you will be provided a tag to display. For subsequent visits, visitors to FSU can reach out to us so we can provide you a temporary parking pass. All communications concerning appointments will include directions to our on-campus locations.
7. Who can I contact if I have any other questions?
You can email us at canlab.psych@gmail.com or text us at 850-629-9378.
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