| Volunteering your child to participate in an experiment is an opportunity that many parents are both excited and anxious about. To help answer questions and reduce anxiety, we have listed answers to some of the questions parents often ask. If you still have questions, please contact us. |
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| What is this study all about? We believe that kids learn language in very distinct ways. One area of difference may relate to a child’s temperament, or personality. For example, kids who are easily distracted may learn language more slowly or in a different way from kids who are less easily distracted. |
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| What will happen during our visit? When you and your child visit our playroom, you will see many different things. Most will be toys that you will recognize and may have in your own home, but some will be household objects. We’ll ask your child to learn some silly, made-up names for some objects. Sometimes distracting things will happen, for example, a person will suddenly come into the room, or a toy will start dancing. |
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| What if my child gets fussy or upset? Most children have a wonderful time visiting, but of course everyone has a rough day now and then. If for some reason your child becomes particularly upset or you decide for any reason you do not want to continue with the study, you re completely free to take a break or end the playtime. |
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| Who can come with us? Anyone that you would like to visit with you is welcome. Grandparents and friends, and even other siblings are invited to watch what is happening from a nearby room set up especially for them. Only one person, usually a parent, will be in the room with the child during the study. |
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| What about my other children? We understand how difficult it may be to find alternative care for little brothers and sisters. One of our college students will be available to supervise any siblings that come along, if necessary. |
| Will I have to leave my child? No. You will be with your child the entire time. |
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| How long will it take? We will play for just under one hour. |
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| Will I get the results of the study? Yes. We will send a copy of our results to every family that participates. However, this is a slow process, so be prepared to wait for several months or even longer for your letter. | |
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| Is this a language assessment? No. We do not do any kind of individual language assessment. We will be happy to suggest a qualified professional should you require this service. | |
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| What is cortisol and why do you want spit? Cortisol is a hormone that is found in blood, saliva (spit), and urine. We use saliva because it doesn’t hurt and is not difficult to collect. Cortisol levels have been found to be related to stress levels. We also think it might be related to temperament. We are trying to verify that relationship. |
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| I want to participate. What now? For our current study, we are recruiting children who are 21 months old (it’s okay if they are 20 months or almost 22 months). If your child is not this age, but you would be interested in participating in future studies, you may still contact us and we will keep your name on file. There are two ways you can contact us. You may call and leave your name and telephone number in our lab. The telephone number is 423-439-4034. You can email us at babylab@mail.etsu.edu. |
