Spatial Memory Study Using Virtual Reality and MRI
The Human Spatial Cognition Laboratory is recruiting healthy young (18 – 30 years) and older adults (65 – 80 years) to study how spatial memory abilities change as a result of increasing age.
Procedure:
The spatial memory task involves remembering specific locations of objects in virtual environments. Participants will complete ONE session (either MRI or VR), lasting approximately 3 hours. Selection into the MRI or VR groups will be random, unless the participant indicates that they are not suitable to complete the task in one of the modalities.
In this study, you will complete a spatial memory task in one of the two following modalities:
- MRI session: The task is completed inside an MRI scanner. We will acquire brain scans to examine how brain function and structure relate to spatial memory abilities.
- Virtual Reality (VR) session: The task is completed using an immersive VR headset. We will record your eye movements to study how specific patterns of eye movements relate to spatial memory abilities. Additionally, this session involves some light walking to examine how moving through space influences spatial memory.
Participant Eligibility:
To participate in this study, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- Between 18 – 30 or 65 – 80 years old.
- Have normal or corrected to normal vision.
- No color-blindness.
- Speak English fluently.
- No history of neurological or psychiatric disorders or seizures.
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MRI participants should not have any metal on their body or inside their body (some metals such as gold, silver, or titanium may be allowed, but please reach out to ask).
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MRI participants should be right-handed (left-handed participants may complete the VR session).
Compensation:
Participants complete one session lasting 3 hours. You will be compensated at a rate of $20 per hour, for a total of $60.
Contact:
If you would like to participate or have any questions, please email:
NOTE: In the Subject line, please specify: "Spatial Memory Study"
An Institutional Review Board responsible for human subjects research at The University of Arizona reviewed this research project and found it to be acceptable, according to applicable state and federal regulations and University policies designed to protect the rights and welfare of participants in research.
Updated: 08/01/24