Adult Cognitive Training Study

In-Person | Online | Hybrid | Ages 18-30  | Ages 60-85

Help Advance Cognitive Training Research

Our ability to think, remember information, and pay attention can change throughout adulthood. Researchers at Northeastern University are studying how cognitive training may affect performance on different types of cognitive tasks.

By participating, you can help researchers better understand how cognitive training works and whether practicing certain mental skills can lead to changes in performance beyond the tasks being practiced.

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About the Study

This study examines how training can affect performance on cognitive tasks. Participants will complete computerized activities that involve viewing visual information, listening to sounds, and making simple judgments about what they see or hear. You will also complete questionnaires about yourself and your experiences.

Some participants will complete additional cognitive training sessions between their assessment sessions, while others will complete assessment sessions without training. Your study group is randomly assigned, so you will not choose which group you are placed in.

The study takes place over approximately 4–8 weeks. This study has in-person, remote, and hybrid opportunities depending on your age, eligibility, and location.

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
  • 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're eligible and choose to participate, a researcher will reach out to you with more information regarding your randomly assigned condition, study format, and scheduling details.

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

  • Questionnaires about topics such as health, lifestyle, and well-being
  • Computerized tasks that measure attention, memory, and listening abilities
  • Cognitive training games
  • Viewing simple shapes, lines, and letters
  • Listening to sounds
  • Comparing information presented at different points in time
  • Making simple judgments about what you see or hear

This study is conducted in a variety of formats depending on what is most appropriate for each participant, and may result in a different experience.

In-Person
You will be asked to attend all of your sessions in-person at our lab on Northeastern University’s Boston campus.

Hybrid
You will be asked to attend a total of 7 assessment sessions either in-person at our lab on Northeastern University’s Boston campus or on Zoom. Depending on your study group, you may also be asked to complete a total of 20 additional sessions, which will be done independently and remotely.

Remote
You will be provided with a tablet, study materials, and instructions on how to complete the study independently. Upon study completion, you will be asked to return all study materials.

Interested participants who meet basic eligibility first complete a brief screening by phone to confirm eligibility and determine whether the study is a good fit for you.

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

  • Questionnaires about topics such as health, lifestyle, and well-being
  • Computerized tasks that measure attention, memory, and listening abilities
  • Cognitive training games
  • Viewing simple shapes, lines, and letters
  • Listening to sounds
  • Comparing information presented at different points in time
  • Making simple judgments about what you see or hear

This study is conducted in a variety of formats depending on what is most appropriate for each participant, and may result in a different experience.

Hybrid
You will be asked to attend a total of 7 assessment sessions either in-person at our lab on Northeastern University’s Boston campus or on Zoom. Depending on your randomly assigned study group, you may also be asked to complete a total of 20 additional sessions remotely. The first few remote sessions will be conducted either in-person or over Zoom with a researcher to guide you, after
which you will be given instructions on how to complete the rest independently.

Remote
You will be shipped a tablet and study materials. Certain sessions will be conducted over Zoom with a researcher. Depending on your study group, you may also be asked to complete additional sessions independently in-between Zoom sessions.

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Study Timeline

Depending on your assigned condition, participation may include:

  • A brief eligibility screening (for individuals 60 – 85yrs old)
  • Two initial assessment sessions, approximately 75 minutes each
  • One assessment sessions mid-way through, lasting approximately 45–75 minutes
  • Two final assessment sessions, approximately 75 minutes each
  • Two follow-up assessment approximately one week after the final testing session, approximately 75 minutes each

Participants in certain study groups will also complete 20 additional computerized sessions, divided into two sets of 10 sessions. Each set is completed over a period of no more than 15 days. Assignment to study groups is random, and participants cannot choose which group they are assigned to.

The study takes place over approximately 4–8 weeks. Overall, participation takes approximately 8–15 hours, depending on your assigned study group.

Compensation

For full completion of the study, participants are compensated $100 – $200 via an Amazon gift card depending on your randomly assigned study group and the number of sessions you are asked to complete.

Interested in Participating or Learning More?

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

Interest Form