Rational Numbers and Executive Functions in the Brain:
A Multi-session Study

Principal Investigator: Eric Wilkey, Ph.D.

Description

We are interested in how the brain processes numbers and its mechanistic relationship to our ability to manipulate information, self-monitor our behavior, and switch between different tasks. Hopefully, this research will help us better understand how we do math.

If you are interested and are eligible based on the criteria below, we will ask you to come to Vanderbilt University for 7 visits, each spaced one week apart. We have very flexible schedules that include evenings and weekends.

Study Duration

During the 1st visit (1 hour):

  • Work one-on-one with a research team member to complete a series of computerized tasks and standardized assessments.

During the 2nd through 7th visits (1 hour and 30 minutes each):

  • Lie still in an MRI scanner while doing tasks on a computer involving number comparisons.

Eligibility Criteria/ Participant Criteria

  • Healthy adults aged 18-35 yrs.
  • Must have normal or corrected-to-normal vision.
  • Must be a native English speaker.
  • Must fill out a screening form to determine if metal is in your body.
  • Must not have a history of psychiatric or neurological illnesses.
  • Be willing to return for as many of the 6 scanning sessions as you can, at approximately the same time of the day each week.
  • Be willing to keep caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol intake equal for all sessions. You do not need to refrain from consumption, but to be consistent on the days of scanning and the night before.
  • Must have not participated in Beyond Integers: Simultaneous versus Delayed Paradigm on SONA (experiment ID 3570).

Participant Criteria

18-35 y/o

Compensation

$10/hr, $20/scan, $60 and a 3D print of your brain for completion

Visit Requirements

7

Brochure

Download Brochure

Last Updated: Friday, July 10, 2026

Enter your name and contact information and this study's coordinators will contact you if there are openings available.