Exploring how motivation affects learning through a treasure task
The Influence of Mesolimbic-hippocampal Interactions on Episodic Memory During Active Information Seeking
This study tests how motivation impacts learning by having participants play a treasure hunt game while their brain activity is monitored.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Temple University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06257433 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the relationship between motivation and learning by having participants engage in a treasure task during neuroimaging. Participants will select from three keys to determine which feature unlocks a treasure chest, revealing unique images. The task is designed to manipulate goal-oriented exploration and uncertainty resolution by changing the target feature of the key after successful attempts. Participants will complete multiple runs of hypothesis testing and control tasks to assess their learning and decision-making processes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18 and older with normal or corrected vision.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of head injury, central nervous system illnesses, or those on medications affecting alertness may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of motivation's role in learning, potentially leading to improved strategies for educational and therapeutic interventions.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, similar studies exploring motivation and learning have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 20/40 far acuity (either corrected or uncorrected) * In good medical health Exclusion Criteria: * History of head injury * History of illness with Central Nervous Systems implications * On Medications that Affect blood flow response and alertness * Consumption of smoking and/or coffee 30 minutes prior to laboratory testing * Placement of a device contraindicated for magnetic resonance imaging including cardia pacemaker, aneurysm clip, cochlear implants, pregnancy, intra-uterine device, shrapnel, metal fragments in the eyes, neurostimulators * Weight \> 250lbs * Claustrophobia
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Temple University — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Vishnu Murty, PhD
- Email: vishnu.murty@temple.edu
- Phone: 7406328932
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.