Participants Needed
In our Centre for Brain and Behaviour, we conduct a variety of psychological studies involving human participants. These studies may include activities such as completing questionnaires, viewing images on a computer screen, or undergoing non-invasive brain activity measurements. Some of our research is conducted online, while other studies take place in our on-site laboratories.
We are always looking for volunteers who are interested in contributing to our research. In some cases, participants may receive compensation for their time. A list of current studies is provided below. If you are interested in taking part, please contact the researcher listed with the study for more information. If there are no suitable opportunities at the moment, we encourage you to check back regularly for updates.
Current Studies:
Combined effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation and partial sleep deprivation on major depressive disorders
Overview: We’re inviting volunteers to take part in a research study exploring new approaches to treating depression. This study involves two non-invasive and non-pharmacological methods: transcranial magnetic stimulation and partial sleep deprivation, both of which have shown potential for short-term improvement in depressive symptoms. During the study, we will use non-invasive electroencephalography (EEG) to record participants’ brain waves.
Participants will be asked to complete a short pre-screening questionnaire before being accepted into the study and will need to attend several times over a two-week period at Mile End campus, Queen Mary University of London, E1 4DQ. Participants will receive £100 in cash as compensation.
Who can participate:
- Aged 18 or over
- Have been clinically diagnosed with a depressive disorder or healthy control
- No clinical diagnosis of a sleep disorder
- No clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or migraines
- Contact: TMS group at tms2024@qmul.ac.uk or Jingni Yan at bty234@qmul.ac.uk
- Principal investigator: Dr Valdas Noreika
How is Sleep related to Sensitivity to Noises, Touch and Lights in Adults with Learning Disabilities?
Overview: We are inviting carers of adults with learning disabilities to take part in an online survey. This study focuses on how sleep patterns may relate to sensitivities to noise, touch, and light in individuals aged 18 to 45 who require daily support. By sharing your experiences, you will help us better understand the sleep and sensory challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities. It will take 30-60 minutes to complete the survey and you will be compensated £15 for taking part in the study.
For full study details, please visit: www.sleep-ld.org
Who can participate:
- Carers of adults (aged 18–45) with learning disabilities
- Healthy control participants (aged 18–45)
Contact: Dr Maria Niedernhuber; sleep-id@qmul.ac.uk.
Principal investigator: Dr Valdas Noreika
Behavioural Study on Touch and Movement Perception
Overview: We would like to invite you to a behavioural experiment where you will perform a movement with your right hand and will receive a gentle tactile stroke on your left forearm. You will then be asked to judge the length of either the touch you received or the movement you made.
The experiment is divided in two sessions. The first session will involve completing some online questionnaires about eating habits and bodily sensations. The main session will take place at G. E. Fogg Building, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS. The study will last ~75-90 minutes in total and will be paid at a rate of 10 £ or 4 course credits per hour.
Who can participate:
- Between 18 and 45 years old
- Right-handed
- No skin conditions or sensitivity
- No motor impairments
- No history of Eating Disorders and/or Depersonalisation Derealisation Disorders
- Normal or corrected-to-normal vision
Contact: Zehra Ecem Azakli z.e.azakli@se24.qmul.ac.uk
Principal investigator: Dr Antonio Cataldo