Department of Linguistics
Child MEG - FAQ
| Topics | * | ** | *** |
|---|---|---|---|
| About us: | Our location |
Researchers | Lab facilities |
| Research Areas: | Research #1 | Research #2 | Research #3 |
| The Child MEG Experience: | Photos of children experiences | Activities for children at MEG Lab | Children engaging in MEG Space adventure |
| testimonials of parents: | Parent #1 | Parent #2 | Parent #3 |
| steps to take part: | Who to contact? | What's involved... | Parking at 299 Lane Cove Rd |
| Frequently asked questions | |||
What is child MEG?
The child MEG system is the first of it’s kind. It is especially designed to measure brain activity in children without requiring them to make conscious decisions. Using extremely sensitive sensors the MEG measures the magnetic fields generated by the brain whenever information is processed. We can therefore see how a child’s brain responds when s/he is reading, looking at pictures or listening to real words vs non-words.
Is the child MEG safe?
The child MEG is a completely safe and non-invasive way to measure brain activity.
What does my child have to do?
Your child will need to be able to stay still while we are drawing their head shape and while they are lying on the MEG ‘bed” listening to words or sounds. When children are having their head shape drawn, we will keep them entertained with something fun to watch. When in the MEG we give children lots of breaks so that they can wriggle.
How do we make the MEG child friendly?
We approach testing in the child MEG as being like a space adventure, the MEG machine being our spaceship. Our aim is to make testing a fun experience with you and your child's comfort our top priority.
We take time to get to know your child before we proceed with the study. We play games and let you and your child look around the lab so that you both feel comfortable.
Your child can watch Kermit the frog go through all of the steps before they do.
Either yourself or one of the researchers can go with your child into the MEG at the time of testing.
Why is child MEG so important?
The child MEG system allows researchers to explore phenomenon such as language acquisition and auditory processing in children who are too young to participate in behavioural studies. This opens up a whole new world for researchers as information can now be gathered at the earlier stages of development.
What's involved if my child takes part?
There are usually a number of visits involved. These visits are not to the university itself but rather to the KIT-Macquarie Brain Research Laboratory. (Level 2, 299 Lane Cove Rd Macquarie Park.
All of our studies are voluntary and you may pull out at any time with no explanation.
Visits are paid and parking will be provided.
How can my child take part?
If you would like to be involved in one of our exciting, ground breaking studies or simply want more information please contact Melanie Reid
Phone: 9850 1580
Eemail: mreid@maccs.mq.edu.au