How arousal affects how we see and process visual information
Official title: Investigating the Effect of Arousal on Visual Processing
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-10990268 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how feeling excited or surprised affects the way we see and understand things, and it's for anyone interested in how our emotions can change our vision.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $363,443 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY035640-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990268 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation would include individuals who experience variations in emotional arousal and its impact on their visual perception.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable emotional states or those who do not experience significant variations in arousal may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different levels of arousal, whether from sudden stimuli or changes in mood, influence our ability to process visual information. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques and psychophysical methods, the study aims to understand the mechanisms through which arousal alters visual perception. Participants may undergo non-invasive brain imaging while engaging in tasks designed to measure their visual processing under varying arousal conditions. The findings could provide insights into how emotional states impact our cognitive functions related to vision.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for conditions that affect visual processing and emotional regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between arousal and cognitive processing, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ling, Sam — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Ling, Sam
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.