Current Studies
AI
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. Offered in-person & Zoom. Compensation includes a small toy from our prize box.*
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.*
KnickKnack
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 a small toy from our prize box, entrance into a $25 gift card drawing, and a free book of choice to take home.*
Overtime
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 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 or
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