Dopamine and Reward

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People rely on a variety in information in their environments to help them make everyday decisions. For example, people learn to choose a correct response over an incorrect response by being told whether they are right or wrong. They pay attention to monetary incentives to develop strategies for advantageous responding. They also frequently engage in behaviors to get the things they want and experience pleasure when they get something they like.

We are currently recruiting volunteers to serve as research participants in this study. The study has 3 parts: the first part requires participants to do some computer tasks, answer some questionnaires, and complete some tests with a staff member. This part takes about 3 hours to complete. The second part is a study of the electrical activity that the brain generates when people make choices and receive feedback. For this part, participants wear a cap with sensors in it while they do a computer task. The sensors record "brainwaves" during the task. This part takes about 3 hours. The third part of the study takes about 2 hours and involves brain imaging. Participants will undergo a brain scan while receiving periodic juice rewards and completing a computer task. Research participants in all portions of the study will be compensated for their time.

Would you like to participate?

We are looking for:

• Patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder between ages 18 & 60
• Non-patient volunteers between ages 18 & 60

All participants will receive a brief screening to assess current functioning and symptoms and ensure appropriateness for the study.

If you think you would like to participate, please call Dr Jim Gold at 410-402-7871.