Increasing diversity in neuroimaging research: Participant-driven recommendations from a qualitative study of an under-represented sample

• Published in: Developmental cognitive neuroscience Vol. 70; p. 101474
• Main Authors: Wu, Kefan C., Hong, Sunghyun, Cross, Fernanda L., Sypher, Isaiah, McLoyd, Vonnie C., Huntley, Edward D., Hyde, Luke W., Mitchell, Colter, Monk, Christopher S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-12-2024; Elsevier
• Subjects: FMRI; Neuroimaging study design; Participant diversity; Qualitative interviews; Neuroimaging study design; Participant diversity; Qualitative interviews; FMRI
• ISSN: 1878-9293; 1878-9307; 1878-9307
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101474

Enhancing the generalizability of neuroimaging studies requires actively engaging participants from under-represented communities. This paper leverages qualitative data to outline participant-driven recommendations for incorporating under-represented populations in neuroimaging protocols. Thirty-one participants, who had participated in neuroimaging research or could be eligible for one as part of an ongoing longitudinal study, engaged in semi-structured one-on-one interviews (84 % under-represented ethnic-racial identities and low-income backgrounds). Through thematic analysis, we identified nine relevant research practices from participants' reports, highlighting aspects of their experience that they appreciated and suggestions for improvement: (1) forming a diverse research team comprising members with whom participants can interact as equals; (2) increasing accessibility to research by providing transportation and flexible scheduling; (3) providing family-oriented spaces; (4) enriching the campus visits to include optional on-campus activities to connect with the University; (5) developing safe strategies to accommodate participants with tattoos during the MRI; (6) incorporating engaging and interactive tasks during neuroimaging sessions; (7) providing small gifts, such as a picture of one’s brain, in addition to financial compensation; (8) sharing research findings with the research participants; and (9) fostering long-term bidirectional relationships. The findings may be used to develop best practices for enhancing participant diversity in future neuroimaging studies.
•To enhance generalizability, neuroimaging studies must recruit and retain historically underrepresented participants.•We interviewed participants and identified participant-driven recommendations to improve diversity in neuroimaging research.•Participants emphasized a desire for a diverse research team and reciprocal relationships with researchers.•They highlighted the need for transportation, scheduling accommodations, family-friendly in-lab and on-campus activities.•They enjoyed interactive tasks during scans and receiving brain images. A need for safe tattoo accommodation was mentioned.