We are interested in understanding the mechanisms of visual object recognition. For this purpose, in this research effort, we aim to present images on a computer monitor and ask you to recognize, categorize, identify or memorize some of those images. In this research study, you will be seeing images containing single objects (e.g. faces, houses, cars, etc.), multiple objects or scenes on a computer. You may also be asked to watch a short segment of a movie. In some cases, you may be asked to wear special goggles or look at images through special mirrors so that we can show different images to your right and left eyes. In some cases, the images may be difficult to recognize. You will be indicating what you see by using a computer mouse, joystick or keyboard. There will be two test sessions, each one lasting 30 minutes. Throughout these measurements, we hope to gain insight into the mechanisms used by the brain to recognize faces and objects.
The research is conducted at Children’s Hospital by a team of researchers headed by Gabriel Kreiman.
Subjects older than 2 years old may participate in this research study. We hope to enroll up to 500 subjects in this study.
The research study is very similar to playing computer games or watching movies. You/your child would be asked to watch pictures presented on a computer display, to read words, to watch parts of movies. You/your child may be further asked to identify specific objects or characters, indicate???whether he/she remembers the objects. The responses would be by pressing a button (e.g. a computer mouse).
There is no risk incurred as a result of participating in this study. The level of risk is the same as the one in watching TV or playing computer games. If performing the tasks is uncomfortable, tiring or annoying in any way, the test will be stopped. You can pause and/or stop the test at any time if you feel any discomfort.
We are performing basic scientific research. There is no direct benefit to you/your child for participating in this study. We hope to understand how the brain processes visual images.
There are no costs to you associated with this research study. You/your child may be given a token of appreciation and/or monetary compensation to thank you for participating in this study. Children will be given a token of appreciation. Adults will be paid $?? for participating.
What will happen with the information obtained as part of this research study? What about confidentiality?
All records associated with you/your child’s participation in this study will be kept confidential. Results will not be placed in any medical record. Data are stored without identifiers.
Participation in this study is voluntary. You can choose not to participate in the study.
If you or your child do not want to participate in this study, you do not have to. If you do want to participate, however, you must sign this form.
If you do not sign this form, it will not affect your care or your child’s care at Boston Children’s Hospital now or in the future and there will be no penalty or loss of benefits. You/your child can withdraw from the study and end your permission for Boston Children’s Hospital to use or share the protected information that was collected as part of the research; however you cannot get back information that was already shared with others. Once you remove your permission, no more private health information will be collected. If you wish to withdraw your health information will need to do so in writing.
You/your child may have the right to get some the information that was shared with others for research, treatment or payment. This information is available after the study analysis is done.
I understand that I may use the following contact information to reach the appropriate person/office to address any questions or concerns I may have about this study.
Kreiman Lab Coordinator: [email protected]
- I have read this consent form and was given enough time to consider the decision to participate in this study.
- This research study has been satisfactorily explained to me, including possible risks and benefits.
- All my questions were satisfactorily answered.
- I understand that participation in this research study is voluntary and that I can withdraw at any time.
- I am signing this consent form prior to participation in any research activities.
- I give permission for my/my child’s participation in this research study and for the use of associated protected health information as described above (HIPAA).
If the child to be involved in this research study is a foster child or a ward of the state please notify the researcher or their staff who is obtaining your consent.
If child/adolescent’s assent is not obtained above, please indicate reason below (check one):
- Assent is documented on a separate IRB-approved assent form
- Child is too young
- Other reason (e.g. sedated), please specify
- I have fully explained the research study described above, including the possible risks and benefits, to all involved parties (subject/parents/legal guardian as applicable).
- I have answered and will answer all questions to the best of my ability.
- I will inform all involved parties of any changes (if applicable) to the research procedures or the risks and benefits during or after the course of the study.
- I have provided a copy of the consent form sign by the subject/ parent / guardian and a copy of the hospital’s privacy notification (if requested)
A witness must be present for the entire consent process in the following situations (please check the appropriate box)
- The individual cannot read and this consent document was read to the subject or legal representative, or
- The individual has certain communication impairments that limit the subject’s ability to clearly express consent or
- Situations where the IRB requests a witness be present: please specify.
I confirm that the information in this consent form was accurately explained to the subject, parent or legally authorized representative, the individual appeared to understand the information and had the opportunity to ask questions, and that informed consent was given freely.
Or
The individual is not English speaking and, through an interpreter, a short form consent document was presented orally to the subject or legal representative and this consent document serves as the summary for such consent.
I confirm that the information in this consent form was presented orally to the subject, parent or legally authorized representative, in a language they could understand and the individual had the opportunity to ask questions.