Call for participants

To fully understand the relationship between Mind, Body and Environment, Human Subject Research is of utmost importance. Hence we are looking for participants to contribute their time and effort to our research projects.

For studies that are currently recruiting participants, please see the information below.

If you have already participated in one of our studies, a full list of our former calls can be found HERE or on the [Former calls] menu. There you will find all information provided during the call for participation and information about our publications that are based on them.

 

We currently have open calls for participants in 1 experiment.

2026 Perceptual Crossing Experiment

ecsu 2025 pce image

 

Purpose of the Study

This study aims to understand how people become aware of others through very simple forms of interaction. By using a minimal virtual environment, we focus on basic processes of social interaction without relying on vision or language.

Experimental Procedure

Participants will first sign the informed consent form and other required documents, and then watch a video explaining the experiment. While the experimenter sets up the electroencephalography (EEG) equipment, participants will be asked to answer questionnaires related to personality. After all sensors for physiological signal measurements have been attached, participants will engage in experimental trials with their experimental partner via a computer-based interface using a dedicated device. After each trial, participants will answer several questions.

All sensors used for physiological signal measurements (such as EEG and electrocardiography [ECG]) are non-invasive. If you wish to withdraw from participation, you may do so at any time without any disadvantage to you.

Task

Participants move within a shared virtual space using the device. They receive vibration feedback when they encounter elements in the environment and respond based on their experience during the interaction.

Discrimination and Evaluation

Participants make judgments during the task based on limited sensory information. To avoid influencing behavior, detailed evaluation criteria and research hypotheses are not explained before participation. A full explanation is provided after the experiment.

Experimental Conditions

The experiment is conducted in a carefully controlled setting with minimal sensory input. This allows us to study interaction behavior under simple and well-defined conditions while ensuring participant safety and comfort.

Time Commitment and Compensation

The experiment takes approximately three hours to complete. Participants will receive a 3,000‑yen Amazon gift card as compensation.

Important notes

  • Please do not sign up together with friends or family members
  • To address our research questions, maintaining anonymity is essential
  •  Please do not discuss your participation until the experiment is completed
  • To control for learning effects, individuals who participated in the Perceptual Crossing Experiment (PCE) in 2023 are not eligible for this study

 

In addition, important information regarding the experiment is provided below. Please be sure to read it carefully before participating.

General Information EN 2025.11.19
Equipment Information EN 2023.05.26
Experiment Information EN 2025.11.26

 

Screening and registration form: Here

 

If you have any questions please contact Tae Morrissey at tae.morrissey(at)oist.jp