Do you work with other labs in the area?
Yes! We share our database with some of the other Five College Developmental labs and collaborate for recruitment and events, particularly with our sister lab at UMass Amherst. Our Hampshire Baby Lab team currently runs studies only on the Hampshire College campus, but you are welcome to participate in studies taking place in any or all of the locations used by all of our partner labs!
What kind of studies do you do?
We are looking for infants and young children from 7 months to 20 months to participate, and the kind of study your child
would do would depend on their age. Our lab explores such topics as how infants begin to understand numerical concepts and what they can keep track of in short-term memory. We have found that babies and young children know much more than people used to believe!
What does a typical study appointment entail?
Our studies are designed to be fun and interesting for children and infants. A lab member will bring you into our welcome room to get acclimated and learn a little bit more, and then into the study room. A current study might involve your baby searching for hidden items in a box, or watching scenes on a puppet stage. In all of our studies, you will be in the room with your child at all times. After the study is over, you will return to the family welcome room to choose a prize and wrap up, and then you’ll be on your way! Check out our “What is a Visit Like?” page for more information!
How do you know what kids are thinking?
For infants, we observe how your baby responds to events on a “puppet stage” by measuring how long they watch different scenes. Since babies typically look longer at things that they find new or surprising, we can make inferences about what they may be thinking. When we do studies using a box, we measure how long babies reach in the box. We can reason that they will reach longer when they expect that something is in the box, than when they expect it to be empty.
What if I need to bring other children with me?
You are always welcome to bring siblings along! We provide a playroom filled with toys, and experienced baby-sitters to look after siblings when parents are in a session with infants.
Do I have to come in for more than one study?
Although many families choose to come in several times to participate in different studies, participation in one study requires just one visit and does not commit you to any other visits.
How long is a typical study?
Each study takes about 15 minutes, but parents should plan on a forty-minute visit so that we have time to explain the study completely and answer any questions you may have.
What else should I know before coming?
You will not need to bring anything to participate in the studies here. Also, as a thank you for your participation in our study we offer a small thank-you gift for your child.
Where are you located?
We are located on the 2nd floor of Adele Simmons Hall on the Hampshire College campus in beautiful Amherst, MA. Please refer to the link on your left labeled “Location and Directions” for maps and directions to Amherst, the Hampshire campus, and our parking lot. Parking is convenient and free for all participating families!
How do you recruit babies and families?
Families interested in participating in studies can opt to be included in the database that we share with the UMass Developmental Labs. We attend local events, post flyers, and call families to sign up. Once a family is in the database, a lab may call when a child is the right age for a study happening at the time.
Where can I see more research?
Check out a study done by Dr. Rosenberg!