Current Studies
AnecDoc
When children are presented with two conflicting narratives, which do they endorse? This study investigates how children conceptualize and interpret differing anecdotal information. In this 20-minute study, children (ages 4-10) will be presented with brief stories which introduce possible explanations for a child’s symptoms, and will then be asked questions about these stories. Come let your child play doctor for the day! Offered in-person. Compensation includes a small toy from our prize box.*
Bheem
How do our beliefs about ourselves shape our reality? This 15-20 minute study investigates how children’s (ages 6-9) beliefs and perceptions of strength can affect their behavior and reasoning. Each child will play a game moving weighted balls (ranging from 2-10 lbs) to see how many they can carry. They will then be read stories about other children playing the game and asked to answer some questions. Compensation includes a small toy from our prize box.*
Clover
Why does one person win a raffle and not the person sitting next to them? Is it the magic of luck? Is it fate? Or is it simply due to probability and chance? This 15-minute study explores children’s (ages 5-11) ideas and perceptions about luck and chance. Children will hear stories about kids their age and will be asked why different outcomes occur, as well as their own thoughts on these concepts. Compensation includes a small toy from our prize box.*
*All in-person studies are compensated with a small toy from our prize box. Participants of Knick Knack will also receive a free book and be entered into a $25 gift card drawing. For studies conducted over Zoom, participants are encouraged to stop by the Children’s Research Center in-person to pick up their toy! Families who participate virtually in of our Overtime study and are unable to come by in-person will instead be compensated with entrance into a $50 gift card drawing. Prize box toys include: animal assembling sets, bookmarks, bubble wands, candles, coloring pencils, fidget toys, flashlights, foam airplane sets, maracas, multi-pens, sketchbooks, stickers, pin buttons, plastic jumping frogs, plastic rings, playing cards, pin buttons, pop-its, pop-it bracelets, puzzle toys, slap bracelets, slinkies, small stories, small wheeled toys, stamps, stickers, metal and plastic sunglasses, word search booklets, and yoyos.
Interested in Participating?
If you would like to participate in one of our studies (above) or
add your family to our database for future recruitment: