Current Studies

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly sophisticated and pervasive in children’s (and adult’s) lives. How do children conceive of AI? Do they note AI’s human-like capacities, and anthropomorphize? Or do they note AI’s superhuman capacities, and treat AI like extraordinary beings? In this 20-minute study, we ask children (ages 4-10) questions about what they believe humans, God, and Artificial Intelligence can and cannot do. Compensation includes a small toy from our prize box.

Children’s books are a staple in classrooms and homes, and often intend to teach children about a moral to inspire prosocial behavior. This 30-minute, in-person study explores how children (ages 8-10) learn morals from storybooks. In this study, children are presented with a storybook and will be asked to answer some questions about it afterward. Compensation includes entrance into a $25 gift card drawing, a small toy that the child selects, and the child can choose a free book to take home.

This study explores how child athletes’ beliefs in sports rituals impact their decision-making in various game-like scenarios, and how the perception of these rituals affects both their performance and their thinking surrounding that performance. In this 25-minute study, we ask child athletes (ages 6-12) questions about the sport they play, their beliefs surrounding sports rituals, and their decision-making as it stems from those beliefs. Each child is also read a few stories about other children who play sports similar to them, after which they answer additional questions. Compensation includes entrance into a gift card drawing and a toy from our prize box.