Background

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used frequently in hospitals to produce detailed images of our bodies. MRIs use powerful magnets that align the protons in the body to align with the produced magnetic field. The machine is non-invasive and does not use radiation.

Those receiving an MRI scan should remember the following:

• The body must be free of any metal, including implants and piercings
• The MRI machine emits loud noises while in use
• Participants who are pregnant should avoid MRI scans
• Participants who have claustrophobia may be uncomfortable in the scanner for long periods of time

Functional MRI (fMRI) measures brain activity by monitoring blood flow in the brain. In fMRI scans, participants engage with simple tasks to stimulate brain activity.

In our scans, participants will partake in mathematical tasks for about 2 hours. During the scan, the participant will see a projected screen above them which they can interact with using a remote with buttons.

More information about the scanners can be found here.

Preparing for fMRI

On the day of your scanner session, you can come to Smith Hall at Rutgers-Newark, located at 101 Warren Street, Newark, NJ 07102. You will meet with our researchers, who will take you to the scanner.

Before your scanning session, we will run through a basic questionnaire and remind you of the tasks you will complete in the scanner. We will make sure you are safe to enter the scanner room and get you started with a practice task. While you are in the scanner, you will be able to talk to the researchers. At the end of the session, you will be compensated.