NIH-funded research R21 grant

Understanding how prior knowledge affects speech processing in people with schizophrenia who experience auditory hallucinations

Official title: Natural Speech Processing, the Influence of Prior Knowledge, and Auditory Hallucinations in Schizophrenia

Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10987198 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how people with schizophrenia hear and understand speech, especially those who experience auditory hallucinations, to see how their past experiences affect what they hear compared to those who don’t have these hallucinations and healthy individuals.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Rochester
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$423,500
NIH project number1R21MH135314-01A1
Project IDNIH-10987198 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, specifically those who experience auditory hallucinations as well as those who do not.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or who do not experience auditory hallucinations may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind auditory hallucinations (AH) in individuals with schizophrenia by examining how prior knowledge influences their processing of natural speech. Using advanced electroencephalography (EEG) technology, the study will analyze brain activity while participants listen to speech segments. The research aims to compare individuals with auditory hallucinations to those without, as well as to healthy controls, to identify differences in auditory processing and the impact of expectations on perception.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, targeted interventions for individuals with schizophrenia who experience auditory hallucinations.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding auditory processing in schizophrenia, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Rochester
    Rochester, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Thompson, Judy Lorraine — University of Rochester
  • Study coordinator: Thompson, Judy Lorraine

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.