Brain scans reveal why you choke under pressure
NCT ID NCT03929289
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at why people perform differently when others are watching. Using brain scans, researchers measured eye movements and attention in 43 healthy adults while they were observed by a friend or alone. The goal is to uncover the brain mechanism behind social facilitation.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help explain why people perform better or worse when watched, potentially improving learning and work environments.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 43 participants, focused on understanding a basic psychological process. It does not test any treatment or intervention.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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43 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Apr 2021
- Finished
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May 2022
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 35 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female * Aged 18 to 35 years old * Signed written informed consent * Insurance coverage Exclusion Criteria: * Neurological or psychiatric or ophthalmological disorder * Non-stabilized medical condition * Ongoing treatment with drugs that affect the central nervous system * Uncorrected visual inadequacy * No fluency in French reading * Pregnant and / or breastfeeding woman, this exclusion criterion will be sought by questioning the subject * Subject commonly in care in a health or social facility for purposes other than that of research * Subject under guardianship * Subject deprived of liberty by a judicial or administrative decision * Incompatibility with the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination determined by answering the following questions: * Carrier of a neurological stimulator, cardiac (battery) or defibrillator * Carrier of a cardiac prosthesis (valve, stent ...) or vascular * Holder of intracranial clips or clamps (staples) * Carrier of a cerebrospinal fluid bypass * Presence of metal chips in the eyes * Metal prosthesis carrier (teeth, knees) * Pump carrier or infusion system * Presence of metal tattoo near the head * Presence of permanent makeup * Claustrophobia or respiratory disorders
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Centre de Recherche en Neuroscience de Lyon
Bron, 69500, France
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.