Mock Scanner

If you need to get your subjects accustomed to the scanner, or train them to respond in the scanner environment, there are two "fake" scanners on campus. This is also useful for the training of RA's or figuring out the logistics of "tricky" experiments.

Note: If your project involves use of the mock scanner, you need to specify it on your IRB!

East Hall

The East Hall Mock fMRI is in room B412 (see the map).

The room has a computer with E-prime installed and a couple of button boxes for responses. The display is made up of a system of mirrors. We currently do not have a set of goggles at the mock scanner.

There are speakers built into the replica, so that you can reproduce whatever scanner sound you want for greater realism. You can also download the typical sounds for several of our sequences (note: if the file does not automatically download, try right-clicking on the file and selecting 'Save link as'.) :

In order to access the room, email psych.mockscanner.admin@umich.edu. Currently, there is a lot of time available, so you can book just about any time you want. However, the request should be sent at least two weeks ahead of the desired appointment for training, etc. Please also indicate whether it is for one-time use or if you will be using it regularly.

Rachel Upjohn Building

The Rachel Upjohn Building Mock fMRI Scanner is located in Room 2562.

The room contains a BrainLogics MRI Simulator System from Psychology Software Tools. It has a computer with E-Prime 2 installed for task display (task development requires a license) and collects responses via button gloves. Tasks are displayed using a computer monitor with mirrored display and a Siemens-style mock head coil. We do not have prescription goggles. There are speakers built into the mock scanner that are loaded with the Bonisteel fMRI Laboratory’s GE EPI sequence.

The Rachel Upjohn Building Mock fMRI Scanner may be available for investigators outside Psychiatry by special arrangement. Please contact Fawn Kieliszewski at fawnrous@med.umich.edu.