Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after I sign up for the Family Registry?
We will call you to discuss some details about your family, such as the names and ages of your children. Then, when your child is the right age for a new study, we will contact you again to describe what’s involved in that study. Then you can decide whether or not to participate in that study. If you choose to participate we will then set up a time to do the study.
What's involved in your studies?
Every study is different, and the specific goals and tasks in a study will always be explained before your child participates. Whatever the study, your child will be involved in age-appropriate games and tasks that give us insight into the development of language, mathematical, reading or other cognitive skills. These tasks may involve playing games at a computer, listening to stories, interacting with blocks, shapes, and pictures, or completing math and reading tests that children find fun to do. Many of our studies simply involve observing your child's normal behavior as they play or complete different puzzles. Some of our studies involve eye-tracking technology that records where your child is viewing on a computer screen while they play a game. Other studies may involve measuring your child's brainwaves, which involves wearing an elastic "hat" with a number of sensors. Many families tell us that their children really enjoy their visit!
What happens during a on-campus visit?
Before the study begins, we will explain the study to you and ask you to fill out some paperwork and an informed consent form that tells you about the study. We will answer any questions you or your child may have. Your child will then come with us into an experiment room where a member of our research team will complete several tasks with your child. You will always be able to observe your child, and in some cases, may also be present.
What happens during a home visit?
Before the study begins, we will explain the study to you and ask you to fill out some paperwork and an informed consent form that tells you about the study. We will answer any questions you or your child may have. Your child will then come with an experimenter into a quiet room in your home of your choice, where he or she will complete several tasks with your child. You may also be present if you wish.
When are on-campus visits scheduled?
Most studies only involve one or two visits to the lab that last 30-90 minutes. We try to schedule on weekdays between 9am and 7pm. Some early morning and weekend times are also available. Our laboratories are located in the Psychology Department at Florida State University, and convenient, free parking is provided for each visit.
When are home visits scheduled?
Most studies only involve one or two visits to your home that last 90-120 minutes. For home visits, both daytime, evening and weekend scheduling available.
Can I bring my other children to the on-campus visit with me when we participate?
Absolutely! We have trained lab assistants who would be happy to babysit while their sibling or friend participates.
What do I get for participating in a study?
Each child gets to choose a toy as a thanks for participating. We also compensate families for time and travel. In addition, many families tell us that they enjoy the opportunity to bring their child to a university campus.
Who is running the studies?
The studies are supervised by members of our Developmental Psychology faculty. You can see more about them in the "About Us" menu. Postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate honors students are involved in conducting the studies.
How will this research be useful?
When studies are completed, our findings are discussed with other scientists, published in major scientific journals, and made available to our families and the public. They contribute to a greater understanding of children’s learning and development. This information can also be useful for parents, teachers, and other people who work with children.
We will call you to discuss some details about your family, such as the names and ages of your children. Then, when your child is the right age for a new study, we will contact you again to describe what’s involved in that study. Then you can decide whether or not to participate in that study. If you choose to participate we will then set up a time to do the study.
What's involved in your studies?
Every study is different, and the specific goals and tasks in a study will always be explained before your child participates. Whatever the study, your child will be involved in age-appropriate games and tasks that give us insight into the development of language, mathematical, reading or other cognitive skills. These tasks may involve playing games at a computer, listening to stories, interacting with blocks, shapes, and pictures, or completing math and reading tests that children find fun to do. Many of our studies simply involve observing your child's normal behavior as they play or complete different puzzles. Some of our studies involve eye-tracking technology that records where your child is viewing on a computer screen while they play a game. Other studies may involve measuring your child's brainwaves, which involves wearing an elastic "hat" with a number of sensors. Many families tell us that their children really enjoy their visit!
What happens during a on-campus visit?
Before the study begins, we will explain the study to you and ask you to fill out some paperwork and an informed consent form that tells you about the study. We will answer any questions you or your child may have. Your child will then come with us into an experiment room where a member of our research team will complete several tasks with your child. You will always be able to observe your child, and in some cases, may also be present.
What happens during a home visit?
Before the study begins, we will explain the study to you and ask you to fill out some paperwork and an informed consent form that tells you about the study. We will answer any questions you or your child may have. Your child will then come with an experimenter into a quiet room in your home of your choice, where he or she will complete several tasks with your child. You may also be present if you wish.
When are on-campus visits scheduled?
Most studies only involve one or two visits to the lab that last 30-90 minutes. We try to schedule on weekdays between 9am and 7pm. Some early morning and weekend times are also available. Our laboratories are located in the Psychology Department at Florida State University, and convenient, free parking is provided for each visit.
When are home visits scheduled?
Most studies only involve one or two visits to your home that last 90-120 minutes. For home visits, both daytime, evening and weekend scheduling available.
Can I bring my other children to the on-campus visit with me when we participate?
Absolutely! We have trained lab assistants who would be happy to babysit while their sibling or friend participates.
What do I get for participating in a study?
Each child gets to choose a toy as a thanks for participating. We also compensate families for time and travel. In addition, many families tell us that they enjoy the opportunity to bring their child to a university campus.
Who is running the studies?
The studies are supervised by members of our Developmental Psychology faculty. You can see more about them in the "About Us" menu. Postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate honors students are involved in conducting the studies.
How will this research be useful?
When studies are completed, our findings are discussed with other scientists, published in major scientific journals, and made available to our families and the public. They contribute to a greater understanding of children’s learning and development. This information can also be useful for parents, teachers, and other people who work with children.
