Participate in Research

We are excited to welcome families back to our child research lab in Tempe, Arizona to take part in in-person research studies! We are also currently running studies online and at the Children’s Museum in downtown Phoenix.

Participation is a fun way for you and your family to get involved in science while also learning more about child development! Your contribution helps our research move forward to better understand how babies and children learn about the world.

Below we have answers to parents’ FAQs about research participation in our lab. If you have any other questions please email us at emergingmindslab@asu.edu or call/text us at (480) 269-5487. We’d love to answer them and talk more participating in one of our research studies!

Current Studies

Click an image below to learn more!

EML Family Newsletters

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What’s a research study?
Research studies help our lab answer questions that relate to how babies learn about the world around them through fun, interactive activities and games. This can include children playing with different kinds of toys, watching fun videos, and/or reading different storybooks with a researcher.

What is your research about?
Our research investigates how infants and young children learn about the world around them. We are particularly interested in concepts like play, exploration, and development. To learn more about our specific areas of research visit our Research page. Our current studies focus on children from the age of 5 months all the way up to 8 years!

What steps are you taking to reduce COVID-19 risk in the lab?
All researchers that you interact with during your lab visit have been vaccinated against COVID-19. We are committed to keeping our lab space clean by frequently cleaning all surfaces and toys. We also have face masks available and are happy to wear them upon request - just let us know!

How do online studies work?
Once you sign up to participate, a researcher will set up a time that works best for you and your child and you’ll receive a video chat link through Zoom so you can meet with a researcher. Depending on the study, a researcher can either be interacting with you and your child throughout the entire study or will be minimally involved and available to answer any questions. Studies might involve your child watching videos, playing games, talking with the researcher -- some studies might even involve your participation!

What do I need to participate? 
For online studies, you may need access to a computer, laptop, or tablet that can connect to Wi-Fi and has a webcam and microphone. Our team will inform you of what is involved and what you will need for each study opportunity.

How long does a research study take?
Our studies generally take 30 - 60 minutes to complete, but you or your child can take a break or withdraw from the study at any time without any penalty or loss of benefits. We can always schedule for another time if needed!

I’m interested in participating a study! What do I do next? 
You can register for our participant database and we will contact you about new projects that may be a good fit for your child!