What is the age range of children that participate in the studies?
We conduct research with children as young as 18 months and as old as 9 years.
How do I participate in a research study?
There are a few ways in which you can register to participate in studies in our lab. First, you can register by clicking here and completing the form online. Second, you can give us a call at (215) 898-0327. And third, you can send us an email to trueswelllab@penn.edu. Once we have your contact information, we will update you with new studies suitable for your child’s age once they become available. It is then up to you to decide whether or not you would be available to participate.
What are the hours of the lab?
We schedule appointments during the week from 9am-7pm. We are also available on weekends!
How do I get to the Language Learning Lab?
Our address is 425 S. University Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, and we are in the big white building on the 2nd floor. Once you arrive, the security desk can let you on the elevators to come up. If you have trouble getting into the building, please call me at 2676447416, We encourage our guests to use the metered parking by our building because it is much closer than the closest parking garage, but we will reimburse for either parking or public transportation.!
Will I be with my child while they are participating in the study?
Yes, you will be with your child throughout the entire study!
Do I need to find a babysitter for my other children?
Not at all! You’re welcome to bring your other child(ren) and we will have a lab member watch them. We have a waiting room full of books and toys that they are welcome to play with while you and your other child participate in the study.
Do both parents need to come?
It’s up to you! Our studies don’t require two parents/guardians, but we’d be happy to welcome both.
How long will the study take? How long is the time slot I will be scheduled for?
It depends on the study, but most visits will take about 30-45 minutes! The tasks themselves are short (often 10 minutes or shorter), but to be safe we recommend setting aside 45 minutes to an hour for the visit.
Do I come in for multiple visits?
The majority of our studies only take a single visit, but if we begin a study that requires multiple visits, we’ll be sure to let you know when we start discussing a visit.
Will my child’s information be kept confidential?
Yes! We keep all information strictly confidential, and remove identifying information for analysis. All documents with personal information are kept in the lab, and will not be shared. If you indicate that you’d like to be contacted by other Penn Child Development Labs, we will share your contact information with our partner labs.
What if I need to reschedule an appointment?
Just give us a call at (215) 898-0327 or send an email to trueswelllab@upenn.edu and we will assist you to reschedule your appointment!
Is there any kind of compensation for having my child participate in the study?
All children who participate in our studies receive a small toy as a token of our appreciation. We also provide $20 to parents/guardians, and reimbursement for travel.