SMU Kids In Development (KID) Lab
Current Studies
Interested in participating in a research study? See below for details on each study and to sign up!
Tech & Talking
This study is measuring the impact of digital media/technology on children's language development. We are trying to answer the question of how and why might word learning work differently when it is on a tablet or handheld device instead of with real objects.
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Who is eligible? Any 17- and 30-months-old child who has no diagnosed delays and is English-speaking and their parent.
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What is involved? Participation involves a single 1-2 hour visit to our lab in Expressway Tower at SMU. During the visit, your child will interact with us playing simple games with either a tablet or toys while you (the parent) completes paperwork on your child's development. All toys are child-friendly and you may remain with your child the entire time. You will receive $20 for participating and your child will receive a small toy. We also try to give informal feedback about development at this age.
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When is the study? This study is currently active and runs through summer 2025. We will schedule a single 1-2 hour session for whatever day or time works best for you (days, evenings, or weekends).
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To sign up, take our quick pre-screener here or email us with your name, your child's name and birthday, and your preferences for scheduling.
Zoom Study
The Zoom study is an entirely virtual study, conducted over Zoom, looking at how 2-3-year-old children learn from videos and storybooks. For this study, we are partnering with our colleagues at the ABCD lab at Augustana College.
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Who is eligible? Any child who is 30-37-months (2.5-just turned 3) who is fluent in English and has no major known developmental delays or special needs. You must also have internet, audio, and video capabilities.
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What is involved? Participation involves a single 30-minutes Zoom visit with us. During the Zoom call, your child will either watch a short video or read a short book with you. Your child will then play a short language game with us. You will also be send a short survey to complete about your child. You will receive $15 for being a part.
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When is the study? This study runs through fall 2025! We schedule the Zoom call for whatever day or time works best for you (days, evenings, or weekends).
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To sign up, complete the quick interest form here or email us with your name, your child's name. grade, and birthday.
CLASS Study (Classroom Learning, Autonomy, and Structural Spacing)
This study investigates how academic structure affects foreign language learning in high school students.
Who is eligible? Any English-speaking 16-18 year-old currently enrolled in high school who has no major developmental disorders or special needs.
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What is involved? Participation involves an approximately 90 minute session in our lab at SMU Campus. During your teen’s visit, they will participate in a simulated classroom environment by learning a foreign language. They will also fill out a brief survey on their high school experience and learning habits. Your teen will receive $30-$40 for participating.
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When is the study? The study began in Spring 2025 and will continue through Spring 2026!
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To sign up, complete the prescreener HERE or email us with your name, your child's name and birthday, and your preferences for scheduling.
Contact
If you are interested in any studies, reach out via email!
If you would like to be contacted about future studies, sign up for our registry!
Email: SMUKIDLab@smu.edu
Registry: https://redcap.link/smukidlab