• Brain mechanisms of attention and cognitive control

    Questions? email englelab@psych.gatech.edu to learn more!


    What's the goal?: Our lab is interested in understanding of the brain and mind, especially processes related to attention, memory, and problem solving. Our current study combines behavioral and cognitive testing with brain scanning to uncover how the brain focuses attention on what it is currently doing. We are administering a broad set of tests related to things like attention, memory, and reasoning and seeing how these map onto brain activity while someone is doing a task in an MRI scanner.

    What would I be asked to do?: This study has two parts:
    Part 1: The first part of the study involves two sessions of cognitive testing in our lab at Georgia Tech. You would need to come to our lab on two separate days to participate. On each occasion, you will complete a set of tasks on computers in our lab space. In total, you can expect to spend approximately 4 hours in the lab.
    Part 2: The second part of the study involves completing some cognitive tasks in an MRI scanner so we can monitor your brain activity while you do them. The scan would be completed at the Georgia State/Georgia Tech Center for Advanced Brain Imaging and is expected to take about 2 hours.

    What do I get out of it?: You will be compensated for each session that you participate in. If you complete all of Part 1, you will receive $75 via a mailed check ($35 for Day 1 and $40 for Day 2). Georgia Tech psychology students can also participate for course credit via SONA, with each session being worth one (1) SONA credit. Additionally, , if you complete all of Part 2, you will receive an additional check for $45 in the mail, as well as the opportunity to take a picture of your brain; Georgia Tech psychology students can also participate for SONA credit.

    Who can participate?: Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 35. Participants must be fluent English speakers. Participants must have normal or corrected-to-normal vision. Participants must have no history of seizures or brain damage. Finally, participants must not have participated in one of this lab’s previous studies.

    How do I participate?: You can take the first step by filling out this 5 min survey to see if you are eligible by clicking -> here <- .





    Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

    By participating in this study, you agree to the following:
    • Voluntary Participation: You can withdraw from the study at any time without penalty, and you will be compensated for completed sessions.
    • Data Collection: We will collect cognitive performance, eye tracking, and fMRI data. Your data will be anonymized, assigned a participant number, and never linked to your name.
    • Data Storage & Confidentiality: Data will be stored securely on password-protected systems and backed up nightly. Physical documents (e.g., consent forms) will be kept in locked cabinets. Only authorized personnel will have access.
    • Data Retention & Disposal: Your data will be retained for at least 3 years and securely destroyed after 10 years. Identifiers will be removed once the data is processed.
    • No Third-Party Sharing: Your identifiable data will not be shared outside the research team.