Children's Memory Research Study
Researchers at Queens College of CUNY are studying the brain processes underlying learning and understanding everyday life experiences. Volunteers aged 5-8 are invited to join!
Compensation Provided at a Rate of $18/hr
Two in-person study visits conducted in Queens, NY
Normal Vision & Hearing (Glasses OK)
Typically Developing Children
Fast Facts
Ages 5-8
About Our Research Study
From an early age, episodic memory supports critical functions such as decision-making, future thinking, development of the self, and social interaction. Problems with episodic memory are found in a number of neurodevelopmental disorders and neuropsychiatric conditions. Early disruptions of episodic memory can have negative consequences in later life. Therefore, we want to learn more about how memory typically develops in children, particularly at ages 5-8, when episodic memory improves rapidly. More broadly, this research study aims to find out more about how people learn to understand the world around them. In particular, we would like to better understand how people remember different kinds of everyday information, such as the contents of a movie clip, and how underlying brain processes change across development. Although your child will not directly benefit from participating in this research study, the results may improve our understanding of how everyday experience is incorporated into behavior and the brain at different developmental stages and how your child’s results fit with the rest of the data we have. This information may be useful in helping to understand the foundations of real-life event perception and learning. Join our paid study today! |
Additional Information
This study aims to understand how people learn to understand the world around them.
Your child may qualify for this research study if they meet the following criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- 5-8 years old
- Normal vision (glasses okay)
- Normal hearing
- Native English speaker
- No psychiatric or neurological conditions, learning problems, or disorders (such as Autism, Depression, Anxiety, Epilepsy, etc.)
The study includes 2 experimental sessions. Each session will last up to 2 hours and will take place in room A319 in the new Science Building on the Queens College campus.
During both sessions, brain waves (electroencephalogram, EEG) will be recorded from the participant's scalp. EEG is a safe, non-invasive method to measure electrical activity occurring in the brain. Participants will wear a mesh cap with many small holes in it. 64 to 128 small pads (sensor electrodes) will measure the brain signals. The sensors will be fitted into the holes, along with a gel (similar to hair gel). The scalp might be mildly abraded to ensure good contact between your child's scalp and the sensors. There is no pain with this procedure. The sensors measure electrical activity and do not deliver any electrical impulses. During the measurement, the participant will sit in front of a computer screen.
Session 1:
Session 2:
During both sessions, brain waves (electroencephalogram, EEG) will be recorded from the participant's scalp. EEG is a safe, non-invasive method to measure electrical activity occurring in the brain. Participants will wear a mesh cap with many small holes in it. 64 to 128 small pads (sensor electrodes) will measure the brain signals. The sensors will be fitted into the holes, along with a gel (similar to hair gel). The scalp might be mildly abraded to ensure good contact between your child's scalp and the sensors. There is no pain with this procedure. The sensors measure electrical activity and do not deliver any electrical impulses. During the measurement, the participant will sit in front of a computer screen.
Session 1:
- Participant will first watch 1 longer movie clip (about 30-40 mins) or 2 shorter movie clips (about 10 mins each).
- Afterwards, they will be shown still images from the movies and will be asked to describe their contents. The participant's speech will be recorded.
Session 2:
- The second session will take place 2 weeks after the first session.
- First, the participant will be shown more still images from the movies and will be asked to describe their contents.
- Next, they will complete standardized tests of cognitive skills and behavior, which will include tasks such as matching pictures together, writing certain symbols in empty boxes as quickly as you can, and explaining the meaning of words.
Participants will receive up to $100 for completing the study, or $18/hour if both sessions are not completed.
There is no cost for your child to participate in this study.