07/20/2026
We are recruiting parents/legal guardians of children aged 8–10 years in a study that includes an MRI scan. MRI procedures are safe but may cause discomfort, and MRI scans are for research, not clinical diagnosis.
The purpose of this study is to understand how children learn from socioemotional (i.e., facial expressions) cues and feedback, especially from their female caregiver versus a stranger and how this learning relates to brain activity.
Participation will include completing three in‑person visits at the University of Alabama MRI Research Facility:
- Visit 1 (about 3 hours) includes questionnaires, a brief clinical interview, brief cognitive testing, and a standardized photo session of the female caregiver making neutral, happy, angry, and fearful facial expressions.
- Visit 2 & Visit 3 (about 2 hours each) includes an MRI scan of your child while he/she completes computer tasks that uses your picture or a picture of a stranger as cues or feedback during learning. During this time, you will complete the remaining questionnaires.
Families can earn up to $300 for completing all assessments. Specifically, at the conclusion of the each visit you will be compensated $100.
The study will be located at the University of Alabama MRI Research Facility and will begin Summer 2026. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, contact us at [email protected].
