Internal Attention and the Brain

Summary

This study investigates how the brain supports paying attention to our own thoughts, independent of the external environment. As part of the study, we will record participants’ brain activity while they do a simple computer task. Brain activity will be recorded using a cap worn on top of the head (scalp electroencephalography). This procedure has minimal to no risks associated with it.

The study is being conducted at the University of Calgary. We are currently recruiting individuals with acquired brain damage (due to stroke, traumatic injury, etc.), or individuals who have undergone surgical removal of brain tissue (for e.g., to treat epilepsy).

Results from the study will help us understand how we pay attention in daily life, and should help us develop strategies to support individuals who suffer from attentional disorders.

Eligibility

Currently recruiting participants: Yes

Eligible ages: 18 to 85

Inclusion criteria:

You may be eligible to participate if you:
- have access to a smartphone
- are age 17 or above
- can read, write, and speak English
- have normal or corrected to normal vision (e.g., use glasses)

We are looking to recruit participants who have incurred a brain lesion as well as those who have not.

Exclusion criteria:

You will not be eligible to participate if you:
- have a chronic neurological disorder not related to brain damage or surgery (e.g. cerebral palsy)

Participate

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

Method of contact

UCalgary Notice of Collection
The University of Calgary (UCalgary) respects your privacy and is committed to ensuring the privacy of all students, staff, and community members. Your personal information is being collected under the authority of section 4(c) of the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA). It will be collected, used and disclosed for the purposes outlined in UCalgary’s Notice of Collection, Use and Disclosure of Personal Information and managed in accordance with UCalgary’s Privacy Management Program. Your personal information may be input into automated systems to generate content or make decisions, recommendations, or predictions. If you have questions regarding this notice or UCalgary’s collection, use, or disclosure of your personal information, please contact accessandprivacy@ucalgary.ca.

Additional information

Contact information

If you are interested in our study, please email us at internalattentionlab@ucalgary.ca, with the subject line: "Internal Attention and the Brain".

Principal investigator:

Julia Kam

Clinical trial:

No

REB-ID:

REB22-0826