Study information

Please read the following information carefully before deciding whether to participate in this study.

Purpose of the study. The ability to orient within a surrounding is a complex cognitive skill relying on several cognitive functions and navigational strategies. We wish to assess each of these cognitive functions and strategies in individuals with and without orientation difficulties in absence of any brain damage or neurological condition. The research provided in this study will allow us to shed more light on the mechanisms underlying the complex phenomenon of orientation and develop rehabilitation treatments for individuals experiencing topographical disorientation.

Participants selection. We are inviting healthy individuals without any history of neurological disorders or brain damage with and without orientation difficulties. We will exclude any volunteer without eye glasses or contact lenses who are severely shortsighted (worse than 20/60 vision), and individuals who have known acquired or congenital brain damage.

Procedure. Participation in the study will take a maximum of about 60 minutes. Time may vary according to individual’s orientation skills. The experimental paradigm consists of several tests aiming at assessing several orientation skills independently. Detailed instructions will be provided on your screen at the beginning of each test. Before performing the tests, we ask you to provide some information regarding your age, gender, presence/absence of neurological condition, and other information regarding your orientation and cognitive skills in daily life.

Risks and discomforts. There are no risks involved.

Benefits. There are no direct immediate benefits to you from participation. In the long term, we believe that the results of this study will help us shed more light on the human orientation skills and develop rehabilitation treatments for individuals with topographical disorientation.

Alternative procedures. You may choose not to participate. Your involvement is strictly voluntary and you are free to stop at any point without providing a reason.

Cost/payment. There is no payment for participation in this study.

Confidentiality. Your confidentiality will be respected. No information that discloses your identity will be released or published without your specific consent to the disclosure. However, research records identifying you may be inspected in the presence of the Investigator or his or her designate by representatives of Health Canada and the UBC Research Ethics Board for the purpose of monitoring the research. However, no records which identify you by name or initials will be allowed to leave the Investigators' offices.

Subject Consent to Participate. You do not waive your legal rights by signing this form. There are no conflicts of interest regarding this study for the investigator or the sponsor. If you have any concerns about your rights and treatment in this study, you may call the Research Subject Information Line, Office of Research Services at the University of British Columbia, at 604 822 8598.

This study received ethical approval by the Vancouver Coastal Health and (approval certificate V08-0341) and the University of British Columbia (approval certificate H08-02985).

By ticking the box below you agree to participate in this study.