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 investigate 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 whilst we record brain activity.

Please note, as part of this research we request that you attend experimental sessions on 3 occasions.

Session 1 will take approximately 1 hour.

Session 2 needs to take place the next day and will take 20 minutes.

Session 3 needs to take place 1 week later and will take 20 minutes.

Please only commit to the study if you anticipate being able to attend all 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. simple 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?’ At sessions 2 and 3 you 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. We do not expect your performance to be perfect - we are interested in forgetting as much as remembering.

In order to measure brain activity associated with memory processes, an electroencephalograph (EEG) will be conducted. 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. EEG will be recorded at session 1 only.

Upon completion of the study, you will receive £15 as compensation for your time.

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 study 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.

Email: Jenna.Roberts@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk