What is research on child development?
Researchers at Ulster University study different aspects of child development, including language development, cognitive development, literacy and physical development. Our studies are designed to investigate these aspects of development while providing a fun and engaging experience for children who participate!
How do I participate?
Sign up to participate by clicking the “Sign up” link at the top right of the screen to create a participation account. You can then sign up for individual studies at the “Research Projects” link, and we will also keep you informed of new studies which become available from the email that you provide when you sign up.
What will happen when I participate?
There are three types of studies which you can sign up for at the “Research Projects” link:
In-person studies: for these studies, you will be invited to visit the Ulster University campus where the research study is being conducted (either Belfast, Coleraine or Magee). Parking will be provided, and you and your child will meet the researcher to get comfortable with the study room before the study starts.
Our studies are designed to be fun and engaging, and we hope your child enjoys our study games!
Once the study ends, we will tell you more about the focus of the study, and your child may receive a small toy or gift for participating in the study.
Live online studies: these studies are similar to in-person studies, except that you may participate from your own home! When you sign up to participate in a live online study, you will select a time for the study which suits you and your child to meet the researcher for a video chat (usually on Zoom). You will receive instructions on how to join the video chat and any requirements for the joining device.
Like our in-person studies, our online studies are designed to be fun and engaging, and we hope that your child enjoys playing our study game with the researcher over the video chat! Once the study ends, we will tell you more about the focus of the study, and your child may receive a participation certificate or gift card for participating in the study.
Asynchronous online studies: unlike our live online studies, an asynchronous study may be completed at any time. When you sign up to participate, you will be directed to instructions on how to set up a recording to send to the researcher (usually through your computer webcam). You will then receive directions throughout (either written or verbal) on how to complete the study with your child. These study games are also designed to be fun and engaging for children, and we hope your child enjoys participating!
After you have completed the study, you will receive more information about the focus of the study, and your child may receive a participation certificate or gift card for participating in the study.
Is the research safe?
Yes! The research studies are designed to be fun and engaging for children, and all of the studies have been approved by the University Risk and Ethics Committee. There are no anticipated risks associated with participating in the studies, and you and your child may stop participating at any time.
All of the researchers are experienced in designing and carrying out studies with children, and the researchers have all passed an AccessNI check.
Can I stop participating in a study?
Yes! If you or your child wish to stop participating in a study, just let the researcher know (for live studies) or stop the recording (for asynchronous studies). You and your child may stop participating at any time.
You may also stop receiving updates about our studies. To request this, simply email us and we will remove you from our mailing list.
If you would like any additional information on our site or our projects, please contact us.