Our research is carried out either in our laboratories at the Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization (DPSS) or ONLINE. In collaboration with kindergartens, we also organize research activities directly with babies in their kindergarten settings.
All of our research utilizes non-invasive and harmless methodologies that are all approved by the Psychology Research Ethics Committee of the University of Padua.
Data collected in all our studies are anonymized and analyzed at the aggregate level. Any personal data that is collected is treated according to current laws and regulations regarding handling of personal data (D. Lgs 196/2003 and UE GDPR 679/2016).
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What does it mean to participate in a research study?
Once you receive an invitation to participate in a research study, if you decide that your baby can participate, we will fix an appointment with you. On the day of the appointment, the researcher running the study will welcome you in our Babylab rooms, or on our online platform, and s/he will explain the study in detail to you. Then, both the parents or guardians will be asked to sign an informed consent form before moving on to the experiment itself. In case only one parent can be present at that time, the informed consent form will be emailed in advanced so the other parent can also sign it before the appointment.
Are we obliged to participate in experiments at the Babylab once we have filled out the contact form?
No. Filling out the contact form only serves to indicate that you agree to be contacted to take part in our research. When your child is of the right age for participation in one of our research projects, you will be contacted using the means that you have indicated. We will describe the scope of the project and how the study will be conducted, and you can decide whether or not to participate. You do not have to provide any explanation if you choose not to participate.
How are the appointments made?
When a research study is organized in which your child can participate, and if both parents have agreed to their child participating in the study, we will fix an appointment that works best with your schedules. The research studies at the Babylab are designed to explore psychological processes at various stages of development, and so your child can only participate in studies that are designed for children of that age. Depending on the projects currently being conducted at the Babylab, it is possible that your child may be too young to participate in current studies, in which case you might have to wait before a study is running that matches the age of your baby. It is also possible that there are multiple studies that your child is eligible to participate in.
Do both parents have to be present on the day of the experiment?
No, it is not necessary that both parents be present on the day of the experiment, but it is required that both parents have signed the informed consent form, that we will send by email, before the day of the appointment.
Can I bring my other children to the appointment?
Yes! There is a waiting room where your other children can play under the supervision of a member of the Babylab. Please let us know in advance so that we can organize this.
What methods do you use to study babies in your laboratory?
In some studies, we simply observe babies as they play with the researchers or with their parents in the laboratory. In other studies, the babies watch and listen to a variety of visual and auditory experiences on a screen, while a device called a remote eye-tracker observes them from a distance and calculates where they are looking and for how long. In yet other studies, we measure brain activity of babies using electroencephalography (EEG), or near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), as the babies are looking at and listening to stimuli on a screen. All these methods are safe and non-invasive. To learn more about these methods, please click on their names, and a video will demonstrate how they work!
What methods are used to study babies online?
During online studies, you and your child will interact with a researcher using a platform such as Zoom or Labvanced. We will observe your child as they engage with “games” consisting of brief auditory and visual stimuli.
Will I be separated from my child?
No, you will be with your child the entire time. Whether your child is seated on your lap or is sitting in a baby seat, you will always be in the same room and close to your child.
How long does an experiment last?
The entire experiment, from the time that we welcome you to the Babylab to the moment of saying goodbye takes approximately 45 minutes. The time dedicated to the experiment itself is between 15-20 minutes. These are approximate times because each child is free to take as long as they like.
What are the disadvantages of participating?
None! Participating in our experiments does not entail any foreseeable risks or inconveniences for you or your child.
What are the advantages of participating?
You and your baby will encounter a brand new experience, with new people and new games. And since with their participation in the Babylab studies your child contributes to scientific advances of our understanding of psychological processes during early development, they will receive a certificate of participation as thanks and to recognize their efforts as little scientists! The parents will have the opportunity to discuss the objectives of the research study, and also the larger context and recent research findings in the area of child psychological development. You can also ask to be informed of the overall results and findings from the study that your child was a participant in!
How will you treat and save my child’s data?
Your child’s data is treated according to current laws and regulations regarding handling and protection of personal data (D. Lgs 196/2003 and UE GDPR 679/2016). Further, all data collected during the study itself will be rendered anonymous such that they cannot be traced back to your child, and the data will be analyzed in an aggregated manner along with the data of all other participants in the study, for scientific and non-clinical purposes.
How do I reach the Babylab?
How can I sign up for the Babylab?
If your questions still remain unanswered, please do not hesitate to contact us either by calling us at the telephone number 0498276549, or via an email to babylab.dpss@unipd.it. We will be more than happy to clarify any questions you might have!
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