Sound Localization Study

Participate in a study on sound localization!

At the Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition

Georgetown University Medical Center

Prior research indicates that blind individuals localize sounds more accurately than the sighted. The aim of this project is to map the processes in the brain underlying the superior development of this perceptual skill in early blind individuals.

Qualifying participants must:

**be between 18 and 55 years of age;

**have been blind since 0-2 years of age. 

What will you do in this study?

The project consists of two parts that will take place on one day. During the first part, we will record sound clips of sound sources at various locations using special microphones that are placed in your ears just like regular ipod headphones. We will also perform a short hearing test.

The second part is an fMRI scan during which the previously recorded sound clips will be played to you in a sound localization task while the response of your brain is measured. fMRI is an entirely harmless method to measure brain activity. 

How long is this study and what is the compensation?

The entire study will last approximately 4 hours. You will be given compensation in the amount of $50 for the first part and $100 for the second part, for a total of $150 for the full study. You will also be reimbursed for your transportation when you provide receipts.

For more information and to discuss the details of your experience with us here at Georgetown, please contact us:

Kiki Derey (lead researcher)
Telephone: 202-687-8358
E-mail: kd644@georgetown.edu  

Or

Sebastian Pena (lab manager)
Telephone: 202-687-8842
E-mail: sebastian.pena@georgetown.edu

We look forward to speaking with you and welcoming you onto our research team!