Vision Training Study

Hybrid | Ages 18-30  | Ages 60-85

Help Advance Research on Vision Training

Researchers at Northeastern University, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and the University of California, Riverside are studying how training can change the way people perceive and process visual information.

Our researchers are particularly interested in perceptual learning—the process through which practice and experience can change how we perceive information around us. By participating, you’ll help researchers better understand how these changes occur and what types of training are most effective.

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About the Study

This is a hybrid research study examining the effectiveness of vision training and cognition. The Brain Game Center will provide any equipment and study materials needed to participate.

The study involves completing computerized vision assessments that require you to view visual information, listen to sounds, and make simple judgments about what you see or hear. You will also complete questionnaires about yourself and your experiences. Most participants will also complete an additional vision training program in-between assessments.

Assessment sessions are completed in-lab and training sessions are completely remotely using a tablet provided by our research team.

Eligibility

You may be eligible if you…

  • Are 18-30 years old OR 60-85 years old
  • vAre fluent in English
  • Have normal or near-normal vision
  • Have no reported retinal pathology
  • Do not have a neurological condition that would prevent you from completing computerized cognitive tasks
  • Currently live in the US

What to Expect

If you are eligible and choose to participate, you will be contacted by a research member with information regarding your randomly assigned condition, expected compensation, and condition-specific study details. During your first session, you will be asked to complete a vision test to confirm your eligibility.

During the study, you may be asked to complete things such as:

  • Tasks involving visual stimuli such as lines, letters, and simple shapes
  • Tasks involving auditory stimuli such as tones
  • Computerized cognitive tasks
  • Responses using a keyboard
  • Questionnaires about yourself and your experiences

All study materials will be provided by our lab. Upon study completion, you will be asked to return them by either returning them in-person or using a shipping label provided by our lab.

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Study Timeline

The study takes place over approximately 5–8 weeks.

Over the course of the study, your participation will include:

  • 6 assessment sessions completed in-person at Northeastern University
  • 0-20 independent vision training sessions depending on your randomly assigned condition
  • Sessions last approximately 45–90 minutes each
  • All study sessions completed within a period of no more than 8 weeks

Overall, participation involves completing anywhere from 6-26 sessions depending on your study condition. Assignment to study conditions is random, and participants cannot choose which condition they are assigned to.

The research team may contact you during the study to help make sure you remain on schedule.

The study takes place over approximately 5–8 weeks.

Over the course of the study, your participation will include:

  • A phone call with a researcher to determine your eligibility and walk you through the registration process
  • 4 vision assessment sessions completed in-person at Northeastern University
  • 4 cognitive assessment sessions completely over Zoom with a researcher from our lab
  • 0-10 vision training sessions depending on your randomly assigned condition. The first few sessions will occur over Zoom with a researcher, and the rest will be completed independently.
  • Sessions last approximately 45–90 minutes each. All study sessions completed within a period of no more than 8 weeks

Overall, participation involves completing anywhere from 8-18 sessions depending on your study condition. Assignment to study conditions is random, and participants cannot choose which condition they are assigned to.

Compensation

For full completion of the study, participants are compensated $95 - $395 via an Amazon gift card depending on your randomly assigned study condition and the number of sessions you are asked to complete. If you withdraw before completing the study, your compensation will be prorated for the time you have completed.

For full completion of the study, participants are compensated $100 - $200 via an Amazon gift card depending on your randomly assigned study condition and the number of sessions you are asked to complete. If you withdraw before completing the study, your compensation will be prorated for the time you have completed.

Interested in Participating or Learning More?

Fill out our interest form below, and we will be in touch!

Interest Form