DPM Study

Researching the Effects of Gun Violence Exposure on Attention and Learning (REVEAL) Study

Now accepting participants! 

TC IRB#23-128

We are currently seeking 18 to 35-year-old volunteers for our REVEAL study which explores how exposure to violence, especially gun violence in our communities, can affect the brain. 

This study uses a safe, non-invasive technique called electroencephalography (EEG) to record electrical activity generated by the brain. This information will help us understand how neural activity may differ for people who have experienced gun violence at varying levels. Participants are also asked to complete a brief survey that assesses their past experiences with gun violence. During the lab experience, we share with participants about the scientific process, and they can even see an example of the electrical activity in their brain!

What to Expect:

During the study, participants will complete a 10-15 minute survey. This survey covers topics related to basic demographic information and past experiences with community and gun violence. Due to the topic's sensitive nature, we will provide support resources if needed. Additionally, participants will perform attention-based tasks while their brain activity is recorded using an electroencephalogram (EEG), as shown in the photos! 

Participation will involve: 1 hour 30 minutes in-person lab visit, including a brief survey and the EEG experiment. In recognition of the time commitment, participants will receive $80 in compensation.

Check out these brainwaves!

To break it down... "Electro" means electric, "encephalon" refers to the brain, and "gram" means to write, which makes perfect sense since the EEG is something that measures or, "writes down" the electrical activity in our brains.

The electrical activity is picked up by more than one hundred special sensors embedded in the nets, which produce a visual representation in the form of waves that we can see! 

 

Don't worry, wearing an EEG net does not hurt and is not harmful to the body in any way.

Learn more about EEG

Am I Eligible?

You may be eligible if you: 

  • Are 18 to 35 years old
  • Feel comfortable with written and spoken English
  • Have normal or corrected-to-normal vision with glasses
  • Have not been diagnosed with ASD or ADHD 
  • Do not have a history of epilepsy, seizures, brain injury, or stroke
  • Fall into one of the following categories:
    • You have personally experienced or witnessed incident(s) or event(s) with gun violence

Interested in Participating? Contact Us About This Study:

Neurocognition of Language Lab

Teachers College, Columbia University
528 West 121th Street, Room 1155
New York, NY 10027-6696

Tel: 212-678-7403
Email: ncllab@tc.columbia.edu

Let's Advance Science Safely Together!

Given the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, we are taking extra precautions to ensure the safety and welfare of all children and caregivers who enter our laboratory facility.

  • We follow all CDC recommendations.
  • We comply with all Teachers College COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols.
  • We comply with all Teachers College IRB COVID-19 Research Protocols.

Note: Students may have to briefly remove their masks during parts of the study. Our COVID-19 protection plan will be discussed in detail with you before visiting the NCL lab. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out and ask us about COVID-19 protocols! 

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A Note on Our Language Requirement:

Our lab recognizes that NYC is home to a highly diverse community. For the DPM study, we can include participants who speak more than one language, though English must be the primary language spoken in school and at home. This is because we are trying to ensure that all our study participants come from as similar backgrounds as possible, which will help us understand any differences in our findings.

We do carry out studies involving speakers of different languages on a regular basis. If you are interested we would love to invite you back!

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