Ever noticed how stress could hinder your learning? Have you ever wondered if stress impacts learning different skills in different ways?

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are digging deep into the effects of stress on skill acquisition, and how those effects might differ depending on different skills. Their goal is to better understand the complex interplay of stress, personality traits, and task characteristics in learning.

Join and help unravel the mysteries of learning under stress, and help individuals find their perfect path.

• Participants will be compensated $80–available to eligible participants who complete the study.
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit others in the future.
• Participants will help advance research.

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.

• Individuals aged 18-30 years
• Must be able to read and understand spoken English
• Must not be colorblind
• Must not be a full-time undergraduate student
• Must not have a history of heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, venous thrombosis, diabetes, fainting/loss of consciousness, seizures, frostbite, Reynaud’s phenomenon, or chilblains
• Must not have a current foot or ankle injury, or cut/open sore on the foot or ankle
• Must have normal sensation in the feet, legs and hands
• Must not be taking any medication that impacts heart rhythm or alertness
• Must be willing to refrain from alcohol, nicotine, tobacco, cold medicine, antihistamines and recreational drugs for 24 hours before the session and caffeine 2 hours before the session
• Must be able to attend a study visit at the research site that will last approximately 3 hours
• Must not have already participated in Arm 1 of this research: the study “Revolutionizing Learning: How One Innovative Study is Paving the Way for Personalized Career Choices” by the same researchers

The study team will explain the research in its entirety but some details are:

• Participants will be required to wear a heart rate monitor and respiration belt.
• Participants will have their blood pressure taken multiple times throughout the session.
• Participants will be required to submerge their right foot in a bucket of water; the temperature of the water will vary depending on the condition that the participant will be randomly assigned to, which might include very cold ice water.
• Participants will complete several brief questionnaires.
• Participants will be required to read instructions and complete several rounds of a learning task (a computer game-like task that looks similar to the commercial game “Plants vs. Zombies™”).
• Participants will answer questionnaires about their demographic information and different personality traits.

Case Western Reserve University
At Case Western Reserve University, we’re a community of innovators, knowledge-seekers and groundbreakers. As a leading national research university located in the nation’s #1 arts district and within walking distance of three major hospitals, we offer ample opportunities for you to excel. With programs spanning the arts and sciences, engineering, health sciences, law, management, and social work, our research and educational opportunities allow our students, faculty, staff, and alumni to tackle today’s toughest problems—and transform the future.

Please note:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers would like to assure the participants that ensuring their and the study staff’s safety is of utmost importance.