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Parents: Participate in our Studies!

We are always looking for children to take part in our studies. We invite all parents of children between the ages of 12 months to 6 years of age who live in or near the Kitchener-Waterloo area to come for a one-time visit to the Centre to take part in one of our studies and help us gain a better understanding of how language and thinking develop in the toddler, preschool and early kindergarten years.

Below, you will find answers to some frequently asked questions about taking part in our studies. Please also explore this website to find out more about the research at the Centre, take a virtual tour, read testimonials from parents who have participated in our studies (some several times!), and meet the researchers at the Centre. Many of our studies have been featured in media outlets - visit Centre News to find out more!

The Centre maintains a list of parents who are interested in participating in our studies. Once a new study begins, we will contact parents with children in the age-range of the study. At that time, we will explain the study in detail and, if you are interested, a convenient time for your visit will be arranged. We welcome visits on weekdays or weekends!

If you think you might be interested in having your child take part in our studies or would like more information, please feel free to call us at (519) 888-4567, ext. 35416 or send us an email at the Centreletting us know that you'd like to participate or would like more information about participating!

Frequently Asked Questions about taking part in our studies

Does it take much time? Most of the studies involve only one visit of about an hour. Visits can be arranged, on weekdays or weekends, at your convenience.

Where is the Centre? The Center is located on the 4th floor of the Department of Psychology at the University of Waterloo. See Directions. We will provide you with directions to the parking lot adjacent to our building. We will always meet you in the parking lot to escort you to the Centre and help you with any bags or strollers and doorways. An elevator will take you to the 4th floor.

What are the studies like? In general, the studies consist of simple, informal games that children find fun to play. For example, children might be playing a game with toys, finding hidden stickers, looking at picture books, or listening to stories. The way in which children use their gestures and language during these games can reveal to us very important aspects of their developing knowledge and ability to communicate. All the children participating will receive a small gift and a certificate. To get an even better idea of what our studies are like, visit What we are currently studying and A typical study.

Will I be with my child the whole time? Yes, you will be with your child or able to watch and hear your child all the time. You can see the set-up of our research rooms in the virtual tour. Sometimes, usually with studies with the younger 1- and 2-year-old children, we have parents participate in the studies because it makes it more fun and relaxing for the children (we would tell you about this at the time we initially call to inquire as to whether you'd like to come to the Centre). In these cases, we can usually learn more about children's cognitive and communicative development and how they are thinking about things when they can interact with someone they are very familiar with.

What if I need to bring siblings? Your child's siblings are very welcome to come and they will be with you the whole time. In our research rooms, we provide toys and activities appropriate for younger and older siblings.

Will I find out about the results of the study? We will provide updates on this website about the studies that have been completed and what we learned as well as other newsworthy items regarding research in the lab. See the section: What we have learned!

blocks NEW! Daniela O'Neill, the Centre's Director, is on Twitter! And now you can also find out about the results of studies at the Centre and other new research and information pertaining to the development of language and thinking in early childhood by following Daniela O'Neill on twitter!

Our studies attempt to understand general trends in development, not to assess the performance of individual children. Names are not used in publications resulting from our research. Our studies are conducted on a voluntary basis. Parents and children are free to withdraw their participation at any time.

We appreciate your support of the UW Centre for Child Studies!
Each child makes a difference!

 

This page was last updated on February 4, 2011.