Research Center: McMaster University – Department of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behavior
Location: 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
Lead Researcher: Dr. Jonathan Cannon
IRB: This study has been reviewed and approved by the McMaster Research Ethics Board
About the Study
Researchers from McMaster University are delving into the intricacies of rhythm perception and sensorimotor coordination. They aim to gain insights into internal timekeeping and synchronization processes among individuals with a stutter or who had a stutter in their childhood, all within the realm of non-verbal communication.
In just 2 hours, you can contribute to unlocking the secrets of how we identify and synchronize with auditory rhythms, potentially gaining invaluable insights into the nature of rhythm perception difficulties in those who stutter. Your participation is not only an opportunity for personal growth, offering new perspectives on this condition and its connection to sensorimotor experiences, but it will help researchers further understand this condition and the intricacies involved in it.
See if you qualify for this study and researchers today!
Why Participate?
- Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about rhythm research at no cost.
- Participants will receive $125 total, worth of value in gift cards. They will be asked to complete a 2-hour in-lab study followed by a 10-minute SSI-4 session which will be recorded to be scored by a certified, approved speech-language pathologist.
- Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit those who struggle with stuttering in the future.
- Participants may help advance medical research.
Your Rights
- If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw up until April 10th, 2025.
- Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
Who Can Participate?
- Men and women aged 17-50 who have persistent developmental stuttering or who struggled with a stutter in their childhood
- Must have noticed or experienced symptoms of stuttering since they were 2-4 years old
- Must be native English speakers
- Must not have a history of non-stuttering developmental, neurological, or psychiatric conditions
- Must not have been taking any medications that may affect their central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)
- Must be able and willing to participate in a study that will take approximately 2 hours. They must also be able and willing to consent to an immediate follow-up session of 10 minutes in the lab, where researchers will administer the stuttering severity instrument, record their responses (audio and visual), and store them on secure computers within encrypted folders.
More Study Details
The study team will explain the research in its entirety but some details are:
- Participants will be asked to fill out a questionnaire related to their musical experience.
- Participants will be asked to hear sounds through headphones set at a comfortable volume while viewing a screen. Instructions will appear on the screen. They will see a visual cue indicating the start and stop of each trial. During the trials, they will hear metronome clicks and are asked to tap their finger along with the clicks. Additionally, they will hear feedback from their finger tapping.
About the Research Center
McMaster University
Founded in 1887, McMaster University is a research-intensive, student-centered university dedicated to advancing human and societal health and well-being. The institution is committed to creativity, innovation, and excellence by inspiring critical thinking, personal growth, and a passion for learning. McMaster consistently ranks among Canada’s most research-intensive universities and one of the Top 100 universities in the world.
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.