NCT07853807 · Washington University School of Medicine
Cognitive Neurocomputational Task Reliability & Clinical Applications Consortium (CNTRACS): Study 1
(CNTRACS)
What this study is about
In Study 1, investigators will test the ability of each of the seven paradigms to differentiate between schizophrenia (SZ)/schizoaffective disorder (SZA) and matched healthy control subjects (HC) and to predict individual differences in clinical measures of hallucinations and delusions (as well as measures of function).
View original scientific description
In Study 1, investigators will test the ability of each of the seven paradigms to differentiate between schizophrenia (SZ)/schizoaffective disorder (SZA) and matched healthy control subjects (HC) and to predict individual differences in clinical measures of hallucinations and delusions (as well as measures of function). Investigators will also directly compare the tasks in terms of predictive ability and psychometric properties and determine whether the tasks share variance or explain unique variance. This will include determining whether hallucinations and delusions are best explained by separate underlying processes or by a single process. Investigators will also test whether the model-based parameters from these studies are more precise and sensitive than standard behavioral methods for assessing deficits across psychotic disorders and for predicting hallucinations and delusions (Aim 1). Investigators will also validate key model-based parameters against well-characterized neurophysiological measures using electroencephalogram (EEG) (Aim 4). The data from Study 1 will also be used to optimize (e.g., length, floor, and ceiling effects) tasks for Study 2. To generate a sample with sufficient variation in hallucinations and delusions, investigators will recruit the following groups that balance feasibility with clinical relevance: A) healthy controls (HC) \[HC, N=125\]; B) schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder \[SZ/SZA, N=200\]). For Study 1, investigators will ensure that 40 patients are unmedicated. Investigators anticipate a \~20% screen fail/drop-out rate based on our prior Cognitive Neuroscience Test Reliability and Clinical Applications for Schizophrenia Consortium (CNTRACS) studies. Thus, investigators will run an additional 40 SZ/SZA and 15 HC. All sites have experience recruiting patients in each of these groups as indicated by our past successful studies, and the fact that investigators have been able to recruit patients with significant hallucinations and delusions in all groups. Investigators will also validate key model-based parameters against well-characterized neurophysiological measures using electroencephalogram (EEG) (Aim 4). The data from Study 1 will also be used to optimize (e.g., length, floor, and ceiling effects) tasks for Study 2. To generate a sample with sufficient variation in hallucinations and delusions, investigators will recruit the following groups that balance feasibility with clinical relevance: A) healthy controls (HC) \[HC, N=125\]; B) schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder \[SZ/SZA, N=200\]). For Study 1, investigators will ensure that 40 patients are unmedicated. Investigators anticipate a \~20% screen fail/drop-out rate based on our prior Cognitive Neuroscience Test Reliability and Clinical Applications for Schizophrenia Consortium (CNTRACS) studies. Thus, investigators will run an additional 40 SZ/SZA and 15 HC. All sites have experience recruiting patients in each of these groups as indicated by our past successful studies, and the fact that investigators have been able to recruit patients with significant hallucinations and delusions in all groups.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Motion Perception Task
Assesses updating of beliefs from new sensory inputs with prior knowledge via perceiving direction changes in random dot motion stimuli
BEHAVIORAL
Sine Wave Speech Task
Measures the degree to which overweighting of prior beliefs impacts processing of sensory inputs (detection of speech).
BEHAVIORAL
Volatility Task
Measures the updating of priors about the location of a bag drop from a helicopter when the location changes (prediction errors).
BEHAVIORAL
Choice Probabilistic Reversal Task
Assesses prior belief updating when feedback about obtaining positive outcomes changes (prediction errors).
BEHAVIORAL
Kamin Blocking Task
Examines the role of mismatches between learned priors and new information (prediction errors) in belief formation about event causes.
BEHAVIORAL
Minnesota Trust Game
Assesses the degree to which people distinguish between their priors about others' motivations, such as selfishness and spite, and impersonal chance in one-shot trust game and dictator games.
BEHAVIORAL
Dynamic Trust Game
Assesses degree to which people learn and update priors about trusting partners from dynamic social feedback (prediction error) in a social exchange game.
Primary outcome measures
Motion Perception Task Performance
Time frame: 1 hour
With 15 degrees of initial or changed direction vs. the probability of failing to update.
Sine Wave Speech Task Performance
Time frame: 1 hour
Percentage of trials coded as speech or not vs Dprime
Volatility Task Performance
Time frame: 1 hour
Percent correct bag captures during periods of stability vs. instability - patients worse in both, but particularly impaired in instability vs. Environmental volatility belief parameter
Choice Probabilistic Reversal Performance Task
Time frame: 1 hour
in-switch rate - higher in patients, particularly paranoid patients vs. prior on volatility belief updating in response to volatility
Kamin Blocking Task Performance
Time frame: 1 hour
number of times they predict allergy following blocked cue vs. prediction errors and learning rates
Minnesota Trust Game Performance
Time frame: 1 hour
Percent of trusting choices depending on decision-agent and temptation vs. spite-guilt beliefs estimate
Dynamic Trust Game Performance
Time frame: 1 hour
Trust indexed by mean investment versus learning rates
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- General Inclusion
- age 18 to 59
- no substance disorder in past six months (confirmed with urine drug screens and breathalyzers);
- no clinically significant head injury or neurological disease. 4. Wechsler Test of Adult Reading (WTAR) score =16+. Group Specific Criteria: Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorder (SZ):
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective;
- no medication changes in prior month or anticipated in the next month or not taking medications
- outpatient or partial hospital if unmedicated Healthy Controls (HC):
- no Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) Psychosis or Bipolar Disorder;
- no family history of psychosis or bipolar
Exclusion criteria
- Healthy Controls (HC):
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) Psychosis or Bipolar Disorder diagnosis
- Family history of psychosis or bipolar Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorder (SZ/SZA): additional exclusion criteria for the unmedicated individuals are:
- not in acute exacerbation requiring immediate hospitalization or treatment
- self-reported medication non-compliance for at least the four previous weeks 3)never having started medications
Where
- Irvine, California
- Chicago, Illinois
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- St Louis, Missouri
Collaborators
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), University of Minnesota, University of Chicago, University of California, Irvine, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 2, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations