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We are currently running an fMRI experiment and need subjects. read on for more details about the experiment. We acquire brain activity over time while subjects are performing cognitive tasks in the magnet. After we analyse the brain images acquired, we can know more about the brain areas being active while subjects were performing the task.

Subjects lay down on the MRI magnet (shown in the picture) and perform some cognitive task (in our case the task is to watching short movies and make event boundary decisions. We take the fMRI images [acquired from the subjects during the task] and analyse them to determine which part of the brain was active while subjects were making these event boundary decisions.

No prior knowledge is expected by the subjects: They will be told more specific instructions about the study before the experiment. The experiment will last about 45 minutes, of which 15 minutes are dedicated to taking detailed images of the brain (like the one shown on the left). Note that you have the option to take home with you a film (like x-rays negative) with pictures of your brain (which you can use for countless purposes including that of showing it as an indisputable proof to people who ever doubted that you have a brain ;-). The fMRI images are taken during the experimental tasks which will last 25 minutes in total (the rest of the 45 minutes is used for preparing the subject).

There are a few restrictions about partecipation in these experiments:

if you have a metal implant in your body, you can not partecipate
if you are pregnant you can not partecipate
if you require vision correction, it would be best to wear contact lenses, if you posses them (otherwise you can use our MRI compatible glasses)

So, in summary, what is the experiment about:

The experiment consists of looking at short movies sequences and making event boundary decisions: pressing a button every event change.
The experiment lasts 45 minutes.
The scanning will take place at UMDNJ-Advanced Imaging center, 30 Bergen St. (NOT at Rutgers)

NOTICE: Directions to UMDNJ-Advanced Imaging center from Rutgers-Newark:

Take Warren st. uphill (West) and (after 1 mile) merge with W. Market St.
Proceed 100 yards on Market St. and Turn LEFT at the first light onto Bergen St. (aka 1st st. :: at the corner of McDonalds)
Then (30 yards) make an immediate left onto parking lot 9. (hard to see the entrance from the road)
Advanced Imaging center (building 5) is located at the far end of the parking lot.
Park near the door of the center, at the spots with signs "Reserved for the Advanced Imaging Center". Parking is free.
Ring bell to get access to the center.
From the map to the right, follow the arrows (the destination marked by the star)

I have included here an areal photograph we took from the sky at the right here.
Also Look at UMDNJ map directions here but the directions there are somewhat outdated and [some find] inadequate. (The MRI center is the building 5 next to parking lot 9, closest to Bergen St. intersecting West Market St.--ATTENTION in the UMDNJ map there are two building 5, look for the correct one).

Call 973-972-7500 if you get lost or can't find the MRI center
For available times contact me by email (zaimi-at-psychology.rutgers.edu)

     Preliminary schedule: