Experiment 5 is underway! Please see below for further details about what this study involves.

Title of project
Do the neural correlates of memory change with time?

Introduction
It is possible that there are a number of important differences in the way the brain represents old memories compared to those formed very recently. For example, recent memories may be more detailed and vivid than older ones. Some memories may be very transient lasting only a few hours or days whereas others may last decades. This study is aiming to better understand the brain processes associated with recent and older memories.

What will I be asked to do if I take part?
If you decide to take part in this research, we will arrange a suitable time with you for the experiment to take place. This study will involve completing a memory task on a computer while we record brain activity.
Please note, as part of this research we request that you attend experimental sessions on 2 occasions.
The first session will take about 20 minutes. The second session takes place 2 days later and will take a maximum of 90 minutes. Please only commit to the study if you anticipate being able to attend both sessions. However, you are free to withdraw from the study at any point without having to provide a reason.

The first session will form the ‘study’ phase where you will be given a set of stimuli to be remembered (e.g. pictures or words). You may be asked to make simple decisions about these stimuli in order to help you remember them, e.g. ‘is the item a picture of a living or non living object?’ You will then be asked to return at a later date and will be given a memory test. Items from the initial study session will be presented with a mixture of completely new items and we will ask you to try and correctly identify which items you remember seeing.
In order to measure brain activity associated with memory processes, an electroencephalograph (EEG) will be conducted at the 2nd session only. Conducting an EEG is a very safe, non invasive procedure that allows us to measure the electrical activity produced by the brain. In order to do this, electrodes are placed on the scalp. The procedure involves applying conductive gel to the head which is easily removed with warm water. Facilities for this will be provided.

Upon completion of the study, you will receive £15.

Will my data be anonymous?
All your data will be anonymous – we will be unable to match your name with any response you provide during the experiment. You will be asked to sign a consent form, but this will not be cross-referenced with any other data you provide. All other data with exception of the consent form will be stored without your actual name.

Do I have to take part?
You do not have to take part in the study. If you decide to take part and then later change your mind, either before you start the study or during it, you can withdraw without giving your reasons. If you would like your data to be destroyed you will need to inform the experimenter as soon as possible. After completion of the final session, all data will be stored in an anonymous format and therefore it will not be possible to identify or delete specific participant data.

Where can I obtain further information if I need it?
Questions are welcomed.
Please feel free to contact the researcher if you would like to know more before you decide whether or not to volunteer:

Jenna.Roberts@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk