Decision Making Study
STUDY BASICS
Are you 22-55 years old? You may be able to participate in a research study to learn about decision-making processes in people with and without symptoms of anxiety. This study involves completing questionnaires and interviews, playing computer games, and reporting on behaviors using a smartphone. Some procedures may be completed remotely. Compensation is provided.
STUDY PURPOSE
Some research suggests that decision-making and brain function are different in people who do and do not have anxiety, but researchers do not fully understand this relationship. The purpose of this study is to learn more about the relationship between decision-making processes, brain function, and anxiety in people with and without symptoms of anxiety. Researchers hope their findings lead to better treatments for people with anxiety in the future.
COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
- Ages 22-55
- No history of any neurological disorder or brain damage or psychosis or bipolar disorder diagnosis
- No current substance use disorder (nicotine use is ok)
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
Study participation involves 1-3 sessions. Some study procedures may be completed by phone, video call, or online. Participants will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires and interviews, play computer games, and report on behaviors using a smartphone. Some participants may also have an MRI scan. Participants may be contacted again six months later for a brief follow-up.
IRB: STUDY20040071A
- Individual differences in decision processesMEET THE RESEARCHER
Vanessa Brown
Vanessa M. Brown, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Brown’s research interests include learning and decision-making, neurocomputational modeling, and anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders.