What happens in the brain when your mind wanders?
Summary
People spend a significant amount of time mind wandering (or having thoughts unrelated to the task at hand). The purpose of this study is to examine the differences between intentionality (whether someone intentionally thinks about something) and meta-awareness (whether someone notices it) in task-unrelated thought. In the experiment, you will be asked to complete a very simple attention task on a computer. Occasionally, you will be interrupted and asked a couple of questions about your attention and thoughts. The experiment takes around 2-3 hours.
You may be asked to wear a cap with electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors to record your brain activity during the task. You may also be asked to complete a short questionnaire before or after the experiment.
The University of Calgary Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board has approved this research study.
Eligibility
Eligible ages: 18 to 35
Accepts healthy participants: Yes
Inclusion criteria:
You are eligible to participate if you
1) are able to read, write and speak English
2) have no history of neurological disorders/problems (e.g. brain injury)
3) have normal range vision
Participate
Additional information
Contact information
Melih Keskin
Principal investigator:
Julia Kam
Clinical trial:
No
REB-ID:
REB25-2086