Participate in Research

Photo of patient testing

We are working to better understand how aphasia affects one’s ability to produce and comprehend words and sentences. We also develop novel treatment approaches to improve sentence production in persons with aphasia. We use a variety of methods to conduct research, including:

Comprehensive language evaluations
Language therapy research
Computerized speaking and listening tasks
Eyetracking while speaking and listening

Research Participation

Persons with Aphasia

If you had a stroke and have a current diagnosis of aphasia, you may be eligible for our research! We have a variety of research studies available in our lab in which to participate. For all studies, please call 765-496-0216 or email: aphasia@purdue.edu for more information.

-Recruitment for the 5-year, NIH-funded clinical training study is ongoing. To participate and to determine eligibility, a phone screening and comprehensive language testing will be completed. View the training study flyer here.

Watch our Recruitment Video

-Recruitment is open for a Language Treatment Study.
View the flyer here

Our lab is conducting their research at our Purdue (West Lafayette) campus, our Indianapolis satellite lab location AND virtual options are available.

Healthy Adults

If you are a healthy adult, between 21 and 80 years old, and would like to participate in research, please send an email to: aphasia@purdue.edu.

Participation FAQs

Am I eligible for a research study?

You are invited to participate in our research if you are:

A person who has a diagnosis of aphasia secondary to left hemisphere stroke
Have no history of other neurological conditions impacting communication (Parkinson's disease, dementia, etc)
Are a native speaker of North American English
-OR-

A person between the ages of 40-80 years old, who does not have aphasia, and are generally healthy and speaks only English

Before determining eligibility for one of our research studies, we conduct screening procedures for each potential participant.

How can I get involved?

What will I do during the study?

For participants without aphasia, we will administer a cognitive-language screening to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements to be part of the control group. If eligible, you will then be given the exact instructions for the study. All research tasks are non-invasive.

For participants with aphasia, we will first provide a comprehensive language evaluation. Depending on the results of this evaluation, your eligibility will be determined.

What are the benefits of participating?

Although there may not be direct benefits to participants, taking part in our research assists clinicians and researchers in better understanding communication difficulties in individuals with aphasia. Our goal is to develop novel treatment approaches for people with aphasia. If you participate in our studies, you may directly assist in providing information regarding these approaches.

Do I get compensated for participation?

Is participating in research uncomfortable?

What should I bring to the session?

For participants with aphasia: at or immediately after the first language testing session, a copy of relevant medical records is requested (ex: MRI report, neurologist or Speech-Language Pathologist report). This is to help the researchers in identifying the location of your stroke and to assist with verifying your diagnosis of aphasia.
For all participants:

Eye glasses (if applicable)

Hearing aids (if applicable)