[NFBWATLK] University of Washington research study recruitment

[Marci Carpenter]

I received  the following study recruitment announcement. The study takes place in Seattle. They also want to have a contact list for other studies. Unlike some of their other studies you need not be totally blind for this one or to be on the contact list for future studies.

"Dr. Ione Fine at the University of Washington is looking for subjects for a study that examines the effects of visual deprivation on the ability to process visual, tactile and auditory stimuli. We are examining how this happens in the brain. If you choose to participate you will be asked to participate in behavioral and/or MR experiments.

Currently we are recruiting individuals who have been blind in both eyes since early life, age five or younger, and have normal unaided hearing in both ears.  For behavioral experiments we will ask you to make simple judgments about visual, tactile and/or auditory stimuli. You may be asked to participate in as many as five behavioral sessions (each session lasts up to 1.5 hours, and each session will be carried out on a different day). Participants will be paid $20/hour for behavioral sessions. Subjects will be compensated for travel time and door to door transportation will be provided.

Magnetic resonance imaging is a technique that uses magnets and radiofrequency waves to image parts of the body. For MR experiments we will ask you to lie in an MR scanner while you make simple judgments about visual, tactile and/or auditory stimuli. You may be asked to participate in as many as five MR imaging sessions (each session lasts up to 2 hours, and each session will be carried out on a different day). Participants will be paid $45/hour for imaging sessions. Subjects will be compensated for travel time and door to door transportation will be provided.

Subjects participating in the MR experiments must have no metal objects in or on the body other than basic dental fillings during the scan.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Dr. Ione Fine at the phone number or email address below.

Eligibility: To participate you must be 18 years of age or older, should have no history of claustrophobia, and no metal objects in or on the body during the scan.

Contact Information: 206-685-6157 <tel:(206)%20685-6157>
ionefine at u.washington.edu <mailto:ionefine at u.washington.edu>