Young participants wanted for scientific study on numeracy
A team of researchers led by Stephan Vogel, a member of the Diversity and Plurality Cluster, and his doctoral student Shiva Taghizadeh are currently investigating how the brain works when solving arithmetic problems in the research project "Neurocognitive mechanisms of metacognition in arithmetic". We are currently looking for participants aged 10-12 years.
How does the brain work when solving arithmetic problems? And how does metacognition - the ability to consciously assess one's own performance during a task - affect this process? These questions are at the centre of the research project "Neurocognitive Mechanisms of Arithmetic" at the Institute of Psychology at the University of Graz, which is led by Cluster member Stephan Vogel. The project is funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF).
To investigate these mechanisms, the researchers involved are using electroencephalography (EEG) to measure the electrical activity in the brain that occurs during arithmetic. In the long term, the findings should contribute to a better understanding of the cognitive mechanisms involved in learning maths and provide targeted support.
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Electroencephalography (EEG) is a proven, non-invasive method for measuring electrical brain activity. Small electrodes are attached to the scalp, which are completely painless and do not interfere with the body. The method is absolutely harmless - neither radiation nor chemical substances are used. EEG has been used successfully for many decades in research and in everyday clinical practice with children and adults.
Participation takes place in individual sessions at the University of Graz (Universitätsplatz 2, 8010 Graz) and lasts a total of approx. 90 minutes. The programme includes
- Completion of maths problems (multiplications) on the computer,
- submission of a short self-assessment after each task (e.g. "How confident were you with your answer?"),
- Simultaneous measurement of brain activity using EEG,
- carrying out short tests on other school skills (e.g. reading, writing, arithmetic).
- We are looking for children aged 10-12 years.
- Participation is voluntary and can be cancelled at any time without giving reasons.
- There are no health risks whatsoever.
- The study has been reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Graz.
- All data collected will be completely anonymised and treated confidentially. Conclusions about individual persons are excluded.
For their participation, the children receive an expense allowance in the form of vouchers worth €30.
In order to carry out the study, study director Stephan Vogel is looking for participants aged 10-12 years.
"We would be delighted if you could inform interested parents and children about this exciting opportunity or get in touch with us. Your support will help us to lay important foundations for the targeted and sustainable promotion of maths learning processes," says Stephan Vogel.
If you would like to take part in the study, please contact us by e-mail.
