The Little Prince Study
The Little Prince Study is a research project that aims to investigate the neural basis of language processing in the human brain. We are currently recruiting participants for the study and are looking for people with different native languages to participate. The study will involve a series of MEG and MRI measurements, which will help us to understand how the brain processes language in different languages.
If you speak one of the languages shown below, are between 18-35 years old and want to participate, please read on and reach out! Thank you!
* The coloured lines below the languages show how many people have already participated.
If the line is fully coloured, that means we have enough datasets and do not need any more volunteers for that language.
What do we need from you and what will you get in return?
MRI Scan
You will first have a short (15 minutes) online appointment with our study doctor. There they will explain everything you need to know and make sure that you are eligible for the MRI. If they give you the go, you will be able to do the brainscan. This is not harmful at all, you only have to lay still while the machine takes a picture of your brain. It will be quite loud and may feel very confined so if you know that this might be a problem, lets talk about it!
MRI scan: ca. 30 min
entire session: ca. 1 h
Stephanstraße 1a, 04103 Leipzig
€15/h
MEG Scan
After you have had your brainscan, you can come to Bennewitz (a little village near Leipzig) and take part in the MEG experiment. There, you only have to sit and listen to a story while the machine records your brain activity.
MEG scan: ca. 30 min
entire session: ca. 1 h
Muldentalweg 9,
04828 Bennewitz
€15/h + €25 for travel to Bennewitz
Where will the experiments take place?
Learn more about the study below:
For computational neuroscience, human language presents a paradox. On the one hand the languages of the world attest tremendous diversity, for instance at the level of word forms and word orders. On the other hand, available evidence from neuroimaging seems to point to a common brain basis for language processing. Resolving this paradox is the objective of the proposed work. The approach, which we call cross-linguistic computational neuroscience, quantifies this tension between the universal and the particular. It uses cognitive theories in the two domains of memory and parsing to derive detailed predictions from artificial intelligence systems. It evaluates these predictions against functional connectivity patterns derived from 300 magnetoencephalography (MEG) datasets in 26 languages. We thus identify brain networks that serve the comprehension of all human languages by realizing the same computational function. The project also interprets the degree to which these networks trade off, crosslinguistically. Doing so answers the question: Do we all understand in the same way, or do different languages make use of different electrophysiological mechanisms to differing degrees?
What is MRI?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain and spinal cord.
Examination Procedure:
During the examination, you will lie in a “magnet tunnel” and hear loud knocking sounds. You will be given earplugs to reduce noise. The examination typically takes around 30 minutes, and you should remain still and speak as little as possible. The entire session, including preparation and follow-up time, will take about 60 minutes.
Risks and Precautions:
While MRI is generally safe, some people may experience temporary symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or changes in taste. Claustrophobia may also occur in some individuals. We take precautions to minimize these risks, including monitoring the power level of the radio-frequency field and using earplugs to reduce noise.
Exclusions:
Certain individuals may not be eligible for MRI, including those with:
- metal that cannot be removed from the body (e.g. bone screws, joint prostheses, pacemakers, retainers, or braces)
- tattoos on the head, neck or genital area, or tattoos larger than 20 cm in diameter
- claustrophobia
- pregnancy
- epilepsy or other neurological conditions
What is MEG?
MEG (Magnetoencephalography) is a non-invasive method used to record the electrical activity of neurons in the brain. It measures magnetic fields on the surface of the head, which are generated by the synchronous activity of large neuron groups in the brain.
Experimental Procedure:
In the experiment, you will listen to a recording of the children’s book “The Little Prince” through headphones and answer questions about the content of the story by pressing a button. The MEG measurement will take about 30 minutes, and the entire session, including preparation and follow-up time, will take about 60 minutes.
Health Risks:
MEG is a non-invasive and completely passive technique, which means that there is no risk to your health. The MEG measurement will take place in a soundproof closed cabin, which may be perceived as small by people with claustrophobia.
Exclusions:
Certain individuals may not be eligible for the MEG measurement, including those who:
- Wear metal parts on or in their body that cannot be removed:
- Dental retainers or orthodontic appliances
- Earrings or piercings
- Wear electrical devices on or in their body, such as:
- Hearing aids
- Insulin pumps
