FAQ

Where can I find general information about child development?

Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families

U.S. Department of Education, site for parents

These links are provided for informational purposes only, and are not affiliated...

I have a concern about my child’s development. Can you help?
The Early Social Development Lab conducts basic research in child development, and we do not offer individual evaluations. If you have a particular concern about your child’s development, please...
Who makes sure that the studies are ethically appropriate?
All studies taking place in the Early Social Development Lab have been through a rigorous review process by UVa’s Institutional Review Board, which consists of a panel of University and community...
Will my child’s data be kept confidential?
Your child’s data will be kept completely confidential. Your child’s name will never be used in any report of this research. We videotape our studies to allow us to keep track of your child’s answers...
I registered my child several months ago, but have not yet been called to participate. Why?

We recruit from ages 0 to 12 years so that we have a pool of interested families from which to draw. However, most of our studies involve particular age ranges – for example, 3 to 6 years old. Your...

Where is the Early Social Development Lab located?

We are located in Gilmer Hall on the University of Virginia Campus. Please keep in mind that there are gates blocking McCormick Rd during business hours. Parking is available behind the building...

Will I find out the results of the study?
At the end of your visit, the researcher can explain to you the purpose and hypotheses of the study. We also send newsletters to parents a few times a year with information about the results of...
Can I bring my other children with me?

Absolutely! We work with a wide age range of children, so it is possible that your other children will also be able to participate in a study while they are here. If not, they can play in our...

Can I stay with my child the whole time?

For many of our studies, it is perfectly fine for parents to be in the room with the children the entire time. However, sometimes we find that a parent’s presence can be a distraction or will...

Do we have to come in more than once?

No, most of our studies involve only one visit.