The Nelson Lab

Cerebral Hemodynamic Response to Facial Orientations: An Optical Imaging Study

Brief Description

In this study, we are interested in the development of face perception and, in particular, the way that typically developing infants perceive faces as compared to objects. We are using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), a non-invasive imaging technique, to investigate the neural correlates of face perception.

Eligibility for study participation

We are currently recruiting typically developing 5-7 month olds for this study.

• Infants: 5-7 months old
  • Born within 2 weeks of due date

Participation Details

This study involves one visit to the lab. The session will generally last less than one hour and will be scheduled at a time that is convenient for you and your child. Parents will be with their child at all times.

Research Contacts:

Sharon Fox and Jennifer Wagner, Ph.D.

Full Description

The purpose of this study is to learn more about changes in oxygen levels in the brain in response to upright and inverted faces, as well as face-like objects. To look at this, we use a tool called Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), which measures changes in the level of oxygen in the blood in the brain while participants look at pictures of upright and upside-down faces. These measurements are non-invasive, and similar to the method by which oxygen saturation is measured on the finger (a "pulse-ox") in hospitals. By measuring and comparing changes in oxygen, we aim to better understand the responses of typically developing infants to faces and object.