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Children in Non-Clinical Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Studies Give the Scan Experience a “Thumbs Up”

Advances in brain imaging techniques have provided a significant opportunity for the study of brain development in humans. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is the most promising and broadly used imaging technology that is also safe for use in pediatric populations. Insights gained from the veritable explosion of research in this area have significant applications in issues concerning courtrooms and classrooms, as described in the target article (Fenton et al. 2009). The current ethical debate focuses on the experience of participating in volunteer-based research and the application of research results to real-life situations. In this commentary, I analyze the experience of children who participate in non-clinical fMRI research and consider aspects that improve the experience for children. 
 
A child who comes into the research laboratory participates for any of a number of reasons. Most often, one or both parents have identified a research opportunity at a university, college, or medical center, and have presented that opportunity to their child. The child will sign an assent form specific to that research study that outlines the risks and benefits of participation. This form also emphasizes the point that the child may discontinue involvement at any time and for any reason. For more discussion of issues of medical consent and assent in children see Hinton 2002; Rosen and Gur 2002.