Game Show task to explore motivation and learning
The Influence of Mesolimbic-hippocampal Interactions on Episodic Memory During Active Information Seeking
This study tests how letting people choose their own learning experiences in a game show setting affects how well they remember what they learn.
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 | NCT06257446 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study utilizes a novel Game Show task to investigate how participants' agency in controlling their learning environment affects unguided exploration. Participants will engage in a series of trials where they choose doors to reveal hidden objects, with some trials allowing for active selection and others enforcing passive selection. The study aims to analyze the impact of these different conditions on memory retention through immediate and delayed tests. The design includes temporal jitters and pseudo-randomization to ensure robust data collection.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study 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 and learning processes, 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 through controlled tasks 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 P Murty
- 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.