Our lab is always looking for kids and teens to participate in our research! It is only through the interest and contributions of research participants and their families that we are able to learn about brain development.
What happens when I visit the lab?
Behavioral studies involve playing simple computer games. Neuroimaging studies measure brain activity while kids/teens play computer games. This is done using a technique called functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and does not hurt and is not harmful.
What is fMRI?
fMRI is a technique used to take pictures of a person’s brain. It is non-invasive and non-painful, using magnet and radio waves to detect small change in blood flow, which is assumed to be an indirect measure of brain activity. Here is a video by Carnegie Mellon University regarding the MRI experience.
How long do visits last?
Each study involves a different amount of time. Most projects require 2 visits. The first visit lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, and the second visit lasts about 1-2 hours.
Is there compensation?
Families are compensated for their time. Compensation varies by study. In addition, each participant receives an image of his/her brain!
Will data be kept confidential?
YES. After your visit, your name is replaced with a number, and no identifying information is associated with your child’s data. All studies are reviewed and approved by the UCLA Institutional Review Board (IRB), which reviews research studies to ensure ethics and safety. If you have any questions regarding this process, the IRB can be contacted at (310) 825-8714.
—»ONGOING STUDIES IN NEED OF PARTICIPANTS«—
Family and Sleep Study:
We are seeking teens, ages 14-20, to participate in an fMRI study about sleep and brain development. Participants wear a sleep watch at home and respond to brief texts for two weeks before visiting UCLA for a brain scan. The UCLA visit lasts about three hours and involves: a blood draw (less than a tablespoon), a brain scan during which teens play a computer game and fill out some questionnaires. Teen participants must be right-handed & read/speak English or Spanish fluently, must not be pregnant, claustrophobic (afraid of small spaces), have metal that cannot be removed (including braces), or have any neurological or mental health illness. Qualified teens will earn $140 for participating!
If interested, email: galvanlabucla@gmail.com | Call/Text: 424.293.9542
Giving Study:
We are seeking teens and pre-teens ages 9/10 and 14/15 years to participate in an fMRI study about brain development and decision making. Participants visit UCLA twice: At Visit 1, participants play computer games while inside and outside an MRI scanner, give saliva, and answer some questionnaires. At Visit 2, participants play computer games inside and outside an MRI scanner. Each visit lasts about two hours. Participants must be right-handed & read/speak English fluently. Participants must not be pregnant, claustrophobic (afraid of small spaces), have metal that can not be removed (including braces), or have any neurological or mental health illness. Qualified participants can earn up to $110 for participating in the study and will receive a video of their brain!
If interested, email: uclabrainpower@gmail.com | Call/Text: 424.273.5494 | Or fill out the Google Form
Prosocial Study:
We are seeking teens and pre-teens between the ages of 9 and 14 years old to participate in an fMRI study about brain development and decision making. Participants visit UCLA once every 2 years for 3 years. During the visit, participants play computer games inside and outside of an MRI scanner, provide saliva, and answer some questionnaires. The visit lasts about 2 hours.Participants must not be pregnant, claustrophobic (afraid of small spaces), have metal that can not be removed (including braces), or have any neurological or mental health illness. Qualified participants can earn up to $84 for participating in the study and will receive a video of their brain!
If interested, email: uclabrainpower@gmail.com | Call/Text: 424.273.5494 | Or fill out the Google Form
Writing and Arithmetic Study:
We are seeking participants age 9-10 or 15-16, to participate in a behavioral study involving a writing task and a challenging math task. Participants visit UCLA for one 90 minute session that involves completing questionnaires about feelings and moods, and the collection of saliva samples and monitoring of physiological activity (heart rate, blood pressure) during a short writing exercise and math task. One parent/caregiver will also need to attend the session to fill out questionnaires asking about the child’s behavior and family background. Qualified participants will earn $30!
If interested, email: ucla.psr.study@gmail.com | Call/Text: 424.273.5494
UCLA DAYS Study:
Do you have a child ages 9-13? Are you interested in a free mental health evaluation for your child or helping him or her learn about what it’s like to be involved in scientific research? We’re looking for kids ages 9-13 to participate in a landmark study on how brain development is linked to anxiety during adolescence. Qualified participants can earn up to $100 and get a free picture of their brain.
If you are interested, click on the Participate link.