What’s involved in a typical visit?
For a typical research study, we invite you to come to our lab for one visit lasting about 30 minutes. Your child’s study might be much shorter than this (for a young baby, a study typically lasts only 5 to 10 minutes) but we schedule longer appointments so that we have time to tell you about the study and answer any questions you may have. Children are always encouraged and praised, and every child (including any siblings who come along for the appointment) receives a small thank you gift like a toy or t-shirt!
Can I watch while my child participates?
Yes! For an infant study, your child will be sitting in your lap throughout the study, and if you have a partner or other family members who come along they can watch the live camera feed of your child’s study on a TV screen in our playroom. For a child study, you can be in the room with your child during the study, or your child can go into the study room with one of our researchers and you can watch on the TV screen next door.
How old does my child need to be to participate?
We conduct studies with infants from birth to 24 months, and with children from 2 to 8 years. If you are expecting a baby or already have children in this age range, please feel free to let us know if you are interested in participating and we will contact you when we have a study for your child’s age group.
Can I bring other children along to the appointments?
Of course! Friendly research assistants are available to babysit siblings in our fun playroom while one child is participating in our study.
When can I come in?
We have appointments available throughout the week, including some evening and weekend times. Our current hours are Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm, but we can make other appointments that fit your schedule too!
Where is the VUW Infant and Child Cognition Lab?
Our studies take place on the 3rd floor of the Easterfield Building located on the Kelburn campus of Victoria University of Wellington. When we schedule an appointment we will give you detailed directions to both our office and your reserved parking space. There will also be researchers available to escort you once you arrive at the University!
Infant and Child Cognition Lab 