ArticleBMC medical research methodology2026
Widening participation in cognitive neuroscience: a mixed-methods study of age-related motivators, barriers and attitudes towards imaging methods.
Article in BMC medical research methodology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundCognitive neuroscience research often relies on convenience sampling of participants, which can result in biased sample demographics and an under-representation of older adults. There is a need to identify more effective routes to widen participation among older adults and to explore age-related differences in the motivators and barriers to research involvement.
methodsThis mixed methods study combined qualitative data from two focus groups, conducted with N = 11 healthy older adults aged 55-73, and an online questionnaire completed by N = 336 adults aged 18-88.
resultsAnalysis of the focus group discussions identified 3 main themes that were most important to older adults: a) The importance of receiving transparent information about the aims, procedures and safety of the study, b) Distinguishing between medical and non-medical research, and c) Contributing to the "collective good". The questionnaire echoed that altruism, and the prospect of scientific discovery, are increasingly important motivators with advancing age, whereas financial incentives become less important. Older adults have more free time to participate, are less deterred by the prospect of pain, and express more trust in researchers than younger people. Attitudes towards different imaging methods (MRI, EEG, NIBS and Eye tracking) varied, with fewest negative emotions for eye-tracking and most for non-invasive brain stimulation, but positive attitudes generally increased and negative attitudes reduced with age.
conclusionThese findings can inform age-tailored recruitment strategies to improve diversity in neuroimaging research. Improving communication, addressing practical barriers, and framing studies in a meaningful context may help increase participation among groups who are traditionally underrepresented in neuroimaging research.
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