Your Brain on Imagined Touch

We are investigating how the brain processes imagined touch in healthy young adults (18–35 years).

Tactile mental imagery allows us to “feel” touch in our mind without any actual physical contact. In this study, we compare how the brain represents these imagined sensations and how this differs from real tactile stimuli. Your participation will help us better understand the neural basis of sensory imagination and will contribute to cognitive neuroscience research.

Procedure

During the experiment, you will:

• Respond to light tactile stimuli (e.g., gentle vibration) and visual cues.
• Imagine specific touches mentally.
• Press buttons when you detect a stimulus or as instructed.

We will record your brain activity using EEG, along with physiological signals such as breathing and heartbeat.

Duration

Approx. 4–5 hours (including breaks)

Compensation

15 € per hour

Requirements

• Age 18–35
• Right-handed
• Normal or corrected-to-normal vision & hearing
• No neurological or psychiatric disorders or diseases (e.g., epilepsy)
• Fluent in German or English
• No chronic illnesses requiring long-term medication
• No ongoing medication affecting brain activity
• No current or planned pregnancy
• No nursing mothers

Contact

If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact us by email:
zhangy@cbs.mpg.de
liuw@cbs.mpg.de