Please read this carefully because no credit will be awared to participants who do not meet the criteria below.

You are eligible to participate if :

• You are right handed - we test for this

• You do NOT have sensitive skin.  The electrode preparation can be painful in those who have sensitive skin.

• You do NOT have a history of siezures or other neurological disorders - this restriction applies to people who are currently on medication to control seizures or who suffered have suffered brain trauma.

• You are NOT currently on any psychotropic medications (i.e., drugs for depression, anxiety, etc.).  These drugs can affect your brain activity.

• You have NO visual or auditory impairments. You CAN participate if you wear glasses or contact lenses. Fall 2009 update - Our study this semester does NOT involve hearing words, so if you have auditory impairments you ARE eligible to participate.

• You do NOT mind having the electrode cap on your hair. The preparation involves applying electrode gel to your head and to your face (see picture below).  So, if you have dreadlocks, braids, or an expensive hairdo, you should NOT participate.

• You are 18 or older - you must be at least 18 to give consent.

 
Please cancel your session in PIPER if you do not meet any of the above criteria.  If you have questions about your eligibility for the study, then email Dr. Leynes (leynes@tcnj.edu).

Where is the lab?

If you meet the criteria above and have signed up for a session, then come to the lab at your assigned time. Our lab is in the basement of the Social Sciences Building.  Take the staircase closest to the student center. In the basement, take a LEFT out of the staircase.  Our lab is B14B. Enter into the waiting room through the door to B14, and let tell the experimenters that you have arrived.

What will happen when I participate?

We collect data from one person at a time.  When you arrive, the research assistants will first introduce you to the lab.  They will describe how we record your brain activity.  The procedure is painless, but is complicated and messy.  They will describe how all of the equipment works to make you feel completely comfortable.  Be sure to click on the "facilities" link off the TCNJ ERP Lab main page to get a sense of what happens in an experiment. Please ask the research assistants questions about the experiment or procedures if you feel uncomfortable or anxious about anything. We strive to make this experience very enjoyable and educational for you.

Because of the electrode preparation, our studies generally last 2-2.5 hours.  You might want to bring a hat because the experiment will mess up your hair.