What can I expect from participating in the First Impressions Study?

1. Screening

We screen our participants to ensure safety and improve our data. If you pass the online pre-screening survey, a researcher will call you to ask more questions to see if you’re fully eligible for the study.

2. Zoom session

If you’re eligible, a researcher will review details of the study with you over Zoom. You’ll also complete a short, recorded interview over Zoom as the first part of the First Impressions Task.

3. Onsite session

You and another participant will come to the UNC medical campus, where we’ll collect data about your:

Brain: During the second part of the First Impressions Task, you may get a brain scan. The MRI scanner will take images of your brain while you watch a screen.

Body: Your blood carries lots of information about how your immune system is functioning, so we’ll take a few blood samples. You’ll also have some sensors placed on your neck and torso, which will give us information about your heart and skin during the First Impressions Task. 

Mind: Over the course of the day, you’ll complete about 60-mins of questionnaires about things such as your mood, health, emotions, and habits. 

If you have questions about the First Impressions Study, you can email the research coordinator, Madison Tarkenton at mktark@unc.edu or call (919) 299-3061.

If you have questions about your rights as a research participant, you can contact the Institutional Review Board at (919) 966-3113 or IRB_subjects@unc.edu.