Brain signal variability and cognitive resilience during new skill learning

Summary

Your brain changes as you learn new skills or information. We aim to examine these changes by recording your brain activity before and after you practice a task.

To measure brain activity, we will be using electroencephalography (EEG). The cells in our brains use electrical signals to communicate, and EEGs record this electrical activity by using small sensors placed on the surface of the scalp.

Participation in this study involves four visits to the University of Calgary campus within one week. On the first day, you will complete confidential screening questionnaires. You will also complete a computer task while we measure your brain activity. Over the next two visits, you will complete the same computer task and a series of problem-solving activities. On the last day, we will record your brain activity again as you do the computer task.

To compensate for time and travel expenses, participants will receive up to $120 in the form of an electronic gift card.

Eligibility

Currently recruiting participants: Yes

Eligible ages: 18 to 35

Accepts healthy participants: Yes

Inclusion criteria:

Participants must be:
(1) between the ages of 18 and 35
(2) able to speak and understand English

Exclusion criteria:

Individuals are not eligible to participate if they:
(1) currently use medications that alter their mental state (e.g., antidepressants, anxiolytics, mood stabilizers)
(2) have a history of neurological disorders or impairments (e.g., epilepsy, cerebral palsy, concussions)
(3) have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder, ADHD)

Participate

Fill out the following form if you want to participate in this research

Method of contact

Additional information

Contact information

If you are interested in participating, please email Louisa Krile at louisa.krile@ucalgary.ca.

Principal investigator:

Andrea Protzner

Clinical trial:

No

REB-ID:

REB20-1335