For Parents
We couldn’t do our research without the help of amazing parents like you who bring their kids to participate in our studies! Each study is designed as a fun and engaging activity for your child, and taking part is easy. Sessions usually last around 30 minutes, and for in-person visits, we’ve got free parking available right outside our center to make things simple.
Types of Studies We Conduct
Our studies examine various aspects of language acquisition, including how children use language in social situations and how they understand and produce language in context. These studies involve tasks designed to be engaging for children, such as watching videos or interacting with researchers via Zoom.
Participation Details
Participation in our studies usually takes place online and involves simple activities that are fun for children. We conduct research with children aged 4 and older, and families can participate from the comfort of their own homes. Sessions are held over Zoom, and children engage in activities such as describing everyday events or communicating ideas during interactive tasks.
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How Studies Are Conducted
After signing up, we'll reach out to you whenever we have a study available for your child's age group. If you're interested in participating, we'll work with you to arrange a convenient time. Studies can be conducted in person at our location or online, depending on your preference. For in-person visits, we offer flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends. Free parking is available, and we're easily accessible by TTC.
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For in-person sessions, when you arrive, we'll welcome you into our reception area, where your child can explore the toys and get comfortable. Our researchers will take the time to explain the study in detail and review the consent form with you. They'll also happily answer any questions you may have. For online sessions, you'll receive a secure link to connect at your scheduled time. We'll begin by introducing ourselves and going over the study details and consent form, ensuring you're comfortable before starting.
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When your child is ready, they'll engage in the activity with one of our researchers. For in-person studies, this typically takes place in an adjoining study room while parents can observe via live-stream video. For studies with younger infants, parents generally stay in the room with their child. Online activities are conducted via a secure platform with the researcher guiding your child through the tasks. Most activities take around 5–15 minutes.
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After the study, your child can choose a small prize if you've visited us in person, or receive a digital token of appreciation for online participation. We'll also be glad to answer any follow-up questions and, if you're interested, keep you updated on our findings as our research progresses!
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How We Ensure Privacy and Ethics
All studies conducted are ethically reviewed to ensure the safety and confidentiality of participants. Recordings made during study sessions are used strictly for research purposes, and any personal information is kept confidential and securely stored.