Understanding how people perceive social interactions

Modeling and manipulating social percepts in individuals

NIH-funded research Dartmouth College · NIH-11205995

This study looks at how people with mental illnesses, like autism, see and understand social interactions, using animations to find out what visual details matter most, with the hope of creating better support for those who struggle with social situations.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDartmouth College NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hanover, United States)
Project IDNIH-11205995 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how individuals perceive social interactions, particularly focusing on biases that affect people with mental illnesses like autism. By using animations and advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to identify the specific visual features that contribute to social perception and how these features vary among individuals. The goal is to better understand the cognitive mechanisms behind social perception, which could lead to improved interventions for those with social perceptual challenges.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who experience challenges in social interactions.

Not a fit: Patients without autism or those who do not experience social perceptual difficulties may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the understanding of social perception in individuals with autism and lead to better therapeutic strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding social cognition through similar methodologies, indicating potential for success in this approach.

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.
Conditions autism spectral disorderautism spectrum disorderAutistic Disorderautistic spectrum disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.