Predictors of Probabilistic Selection Task Performance
Australia30 participantsStarted 2021-04-12
Plain-language summary
The project aims to investigate whether tDCS has an effect on reward and punishment learning sensitivity. Further, whether tDCS will modulate extraversion and impulsivity personality traits, and eye-blink-rate's effect on learning. For instance, trait extroversion in past research is linked to the dopamine neurotransmitter system, where it is thought that extreme low and high levels are detrimental to cognitive performance. Since tDCS has been shown to increase dopamine levels, it is thought that people who are already high in dopamine may experience less benefit (or even impairment) on cognitive performance following tDCS.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 50 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Either male or female
* You are aged between 18 and 50 years
* You are in good health
* You agree to fast 3 hours prior to testing
Exclusion Criteria:
* Suffer from cardiac, hepatic, renal, and/or neurological disorders
* Have damaged or diseased skin on your face and scalp, or a sensitive scalp
* Have a history of alcohol or drug addiction, or severe psychiatric illness
* Are receiving drug treatment which may lower seizure threshold (i.e. epilepsy)
* Are pregnant
* Are sleep deprived (less than 6 hours a day)
* Have metallic dental fillings, orthodontic appliances, a cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implant, and/or surgical clips
* Have a history of migraine or headaches
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in Probabilistic Selection Task (PST) performance from pre tDCS to post tDCS
Timeframe: PST is tested prior to tDCS administration at time 0 (baseline) and following tDCS (approximately 50 minutes into the experiment) for both tDCS sham and tDCS anodal