Current Studies
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. This study is offered in-person. Compensation includes a small toy from our prize box.*
Chalkboard
What are some of the unrealistic or fantastical ideas children have about their teachers? This study involves children (ages 4-6) answering questions about how they perceive their teacher. Each child will answer questions in a 20–30 minute session. This study is offered in-person and via zoom. Compensation for in-person appointments includes a small toy from our prize box.* Zoom participants will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Giftogram card! To participate in this study, your child must be (i) currently enrolled in school and (ii) have had a teacher for at least 2 months.
Toy
How do children form what feels like a reciprocal, caring relationship with a stuffed animal that they know is not really alive? This study involves children (ages 4-6) taking home a stuffed animal for a week and caring for it. At the lab, the child and caregiver will answer some questions in a 20–30-minute session. You will then take home a stuffed animal, and the child may be given limited care instructions. The caregiver will note if the child is spending time with the toy. One week later, you’ll return to the lab and the child will answer some more question in a 15-minute session. Compensation includes a stuffed animal for the child and a $25 gift card for the parent.
*All in-person studies are compensated with a small toy from our prize box. For studies conducted over Zoom, participants are encouraged to stop by the Children’s Research Center in-person to pick up their toy. Prize box toys include: animal assembling sets, bookmarks, bubble wands, candles, children’s books, coloring pencils, fidget toys, flashlights, foam airplane sets, maracas, multi-pens, pin buttons, plastic jumping frogs, plastic rings, playing cards, pin buttons, pop-its, pop-it bracelets, puzzle toys, sketchbooks, 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: