Research Center1: University of California San Francisco
Location: 1701 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

Research Center2: University of Connecticut
Location: Storrs, CT 06269, United States

Lead Researchers: Dr. Robert Hendren; Dr. Fumiko Hoeft
IRB Committee: This study has been reviewed and approved by the University of California San Francisco Institutional Review Board

Background

Before recent research, it was thought that infants did not have cognition until they learned how to speak. It is now known that babies are aware of their surroundings and are actively learning. Cognitive development refers to how a person perceives, thinks, and gains an understanding of the world. This happens through the interaction of genetics and learned circumstances. 

The purpose of this study is to learn more about how children inherit cognitive traits. Through this study, researchers hope to understand how cognitive abilities are passed on in families. Further, this study may help researchers better understand how genes and the environment influence the human brain. 

This study is looking for families who have children between the ages of 7 and 12 years old. The children of the interested family must have been conceived naturally or through assisted reproductive technology (including donor egg/sperm process, in-vitro fertilization or surrogacy). Families must be willing to comply with the necessary study requirements. Eligible families will be compensated for the participation.

Why Participate? 

• The information that your family will provide may help health professionals better understand or learn more about cognitive abilities including emotion regulation in families, which may translate to better understanding and treatment of cognition/emotion-based illness.
• Your family will be compensated with $100 per adult and $50 per child for participating in this study. Your child will receive a combination (of their choosing) of $10 worth of small prizes, toys, and/or Amazon/iTunes gift cards. Additional compensation may be provided for referring other families.
• Your family will be helping to advance mental health research.

Your Rights

• If your family decides to participate in the study and later feel that your family no longer wishes to be part of it, your family may withdraw at any time.
• Your family’s records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your family’s health as it relates to the study.

Who Can Participate?

• Families who have children between the ages of 7 and 12 years old. 
  • The children of the interested family must have been conceived naturally or through assisted reproductive technology (including donor egg/sperm process, in-vitro fertilization or surrogacy). 
• This research study has 2 sites (the University of San Francisco and the University of Connecticut). For the University of San Francisco, interested participants must be able to attend 2 study visits at the research site for over 2 consecutive days.The total time per individual for each visit will be about 9 hours in a day. For the University of Connecticut, interested participants must be able to attend 1 study visit which will take about 6-7 hours. The research study will involve: .
  • An  initial screening and assessment process. The screening process will be done over the phone or via videoconference. 
  • An assessment process will also involve undergoing an MRI scan, answering questionnaires and surveys (some surveys may be answered at home). The assessment process may take between 2 to 4 hours, and surveys will take approximately 2 hours, while the MRI will take 1.5-2 hours to complete.

Please note that this study requires that the 2 parents are both living together with their children.

About The Research Center:

Please note:

Due to the current situation with COVID-19 pandemic, the study team would like to point out the following:

• The research site does not treat COVID-19 patients and/or suspected COVID-19 patients.
• The research site’s waiting area is spacious enough that participants will not be within close proximity to each other.
• Hand sanitisers are available at the research site.
• The research staff adheres to strict hygienic practices as well as other safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 
• Any staff suspected to have COVID-19, or has come into contact with someone who has COVID-19, will automatically undergo a voluntary quarantine for 14 days.
• Interested participants will not be left waiting for a long period of time and will be quickly attended to. 
• Parking is available at the research site.
• The study team encourages the use of personal vehicles, taxi or rideshare services rather than public transit. All travel expenses will be reimbursed.
• The research site/institution is taking all precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the study participants.