FAQ
How do I sign up my child for the study?
In-person study: Currently our lab is closed due to COVID-19. However, if you are interested in our future study, please follow the link for the virtual study and fill out the information. We will contact you to organize a time to come into the lab for our future in-person study!.
Virtual study: If you are interested in participating in our virtual study, please sign up to our participant pool by clicking here!
Why participate?
Children typically enjoy the experience of participating in our study. We do our best to make it a fun and pleasant activity. In addition, you are contributing to research that is intended to inform child development in ways that influence education and child care.
Will I learn about my child’s results?
We are learning about how children learn and develop and are not a diagnostic laboratory. Thus, there are no results to report on an individual child.
Do I get financial reparations for participating?
Unfortunately, we cannot fully compensate you for your time. However, we do offer a token of gratitude in the form of a gift card or/and a small gift to your child. The exact amount will be shared when you are contacted for potential participation.
Who will interact with my child and in what capacity?
Professors, graduate students, and undergraduate research assistants will interact with your child. They are all are trained to ensure you and your child have a pleasant experience while participating in our study. The exact details of the study will be provided when you are contacted for potential participation. Common activities involve reading stories, playing games, and asking your child questions about their opinions and what they remember from stories.
Can I watch while the researchers interact with my child?
Yes. For virtual studies, you are allowed to sit in and observe the sessions. For the in-person studies, you are also allowed to be either in the same room with your child or in an adjacent room with a window to allow you to observe the full session. You will be informed of the details of the specific study when you are contacted to participate.
How long will each session take?
The details of each study will be shared when you are contacted. Studies typically last between 30-90 minutes.
Is there any chance of my child being hurt?
Your child will be engaged in tasks (such as reading and games) that are typical to daily experiences and pose no additional risk. Your child will not be asked to perform any physically demanding activities.
Can I have multiple children participate in the study?
Yes, you may have more than one child participate in the lab at either the same or different times.
For In-person Study
When do I bring my child?
We will organize meeting times around your schedule. We have evening and weekend times available in addition to regular business hours.
Is transportation provided?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide transportation for you and your child.
How often do I have to bring my child to the lab?
It depends on the study and you always have the option to say no with no consequences. Some studies are a single visit, and others may involve up to three visits to the lab.
Can I stop taking my child to the lab?
Both you and your child can stop participation in the lab at any time, including during the study.
Where do I park?
Free parking is available on campus on the top floor of the parking garage. #36 on the map.
Where do I wait?
If you choose not to stay with your child, we have a waiting area with free coffee and wifi access. The waiting area also has a play area for your child as they wait for their turn or for any siblings that may come along with you.
Is there childcare for another child of mine?
Yes. We will have research assistants available to work with other children and provide care for your child while you are making observations or speaking to another lab member.