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Participate

If you are interested in having your child participate in one of the studies conducted in the Social Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, please contact Dr. Jean Decety by email, or call Kalina Michalska at 773-702-4661.

Currently, we are scanning children (aged between 5 to 12 years old) to characterize the brain mechanisms that are involved in moral sensitivity and empathy. The study titled "Neuroimaging moral reasoning" is approved by the Division of the Biological Sciences Institutional Review Board of the University of Chicago Hospitals (# 16-407), and is funded by the National Science Foundation.

Contact Dr. Jean Decety to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the study take?
Approximately seventy minutes. We'll first do a training in a child-friendly mock up scanner to make sure that your child feels comfortable and can lie still while wacthing videos and pictures. Then, your child will be positionned in the real scanner for 40 minutes for structural and functional imaging. After the scan is complete, 10 minutes are necessary to respond to some questions on a computer.

Are there any potential negative side effects of being in a scanner?
The study is totally painless and absolutely safe. Magnetic resonance imaging uses radio waves, not radiation.  There are no known side effects associated with either structural or functional magnetic resonance imaging.  For the most part, your child will be watching a video that she/he can choose from a selection that we have.

What if my child becomes fussy or uninterested during the study?
Involvement in research is entirely voluntary. Your child can stop at any time.

Will I be with my child during the study?
Yes, you can be with your child during both the training session and scanning.

Does my child receive anything for participating?
Your child will receive $75 in cash at the end of the study and a small gift. She/he will also have a fun opportunity to learn about and view pictures of the brain.

Can my child participate if she/he wears dental braces?
No, we cannot enrol children with dental braces, because they will interfere with the data collection.

Where do we meet?
A research assistant will be waiting for you in the lobby of the Brain Research Pavillon (entrance on Ellis, next to the Citi Bank, to the left of Starbucks), and will escort you to the sanner suite at the Brain Research Imaging Center.

What if I need to reschedule my appointment?
Please call Kalina at (773) 702-4661 if you need to change or cancel your appointment.

Can I bring my other children with me?
Absolutely! You can bring them along with you.

Where do I park?
Parking is available on South Drexel Avenue. The Hospital also validate your parking and reimburse part of your parking fee.