Understanding how people perceive social interactions

Modeling and manipulating social percepts in individuals

['FUNDING_R01'] · DARTMOUTH COLLEGE · NIH-11059915

This study looks at how people, especially those with autism and mental health conditions, see and understand social interactions by using animations of shapes, to help us learn more about how different people perceive social situations.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDARTMOUTH COLLEGE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HANOVER, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11059915 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how individuals perceive social interactions, particularly focusing on biases that affect people with autism and other mental health conditions. By using animations of geometric shapes, the study aims to identify the specific visual features that make stimuli appear social and how these perceptions vary among individuals. The goal is to characterize differences in social-perceptual styles, which could enhance our understanding of social cognition in both typical and atypical populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and other related mental health conditions.

Not a fit: Patients without any social perceptual biases or those who do not have a diagnosis related to social cognition may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions for individuals with autism and other mental health conditions by enhancing their social perception skills.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using basic stimuli to study social cognition, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.

Where this research is happening

HANOVER, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: autism spectral disorder, autism spectrum disorder, Autistic Disorder, autistic spectrum disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.