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We are currently recruiting monolingual and bilingual English-speaking children ages 5 – 9 years old for a study examining how children learn and remember words. Specifically, we are interested in learning more about how variability in perceptual properties of objects (e.g., big cup, blue cup) and input from multiple speakers (e.g., both mom and dad saying “cup”) impact children’s ability to learn and remember words over time.

How can I participate?

Our current word learning study will be hosted online via Zoom! Participants require a laptop, stable internet connection, and a quiet space to work. Soon, we will launch studies in-person at Boston University.

Email us at cresplab@bu.edu, call us at (617) 353-3379, or contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.

We will schedule your sessions at a time most convenient for your family.
We offer weekday and weekend availability!

What happens in our research study?

During a session, participants will engage with a trained research assistant. Before the session begins, parents review and sign our consent forms. After, parents are asked to complete questionnaires that ask questions about their family’s developmental histories and language experiences.

Children are administered standardized assessments and play language and thinking games. We use standardized assessments and games to measure children’s English understanding and speaking skills. If your child is bilingual, we assess language skills in their second language. In some studies, we also measure children’s thinking skills, like their attention and memory.

All our tasks are presented to children as short “games”. This is how we engage kids in our research in a fun way!

How long is our research study?

Children typically complete the study in 3 sessions. Each session is scheduled on a different day and lasts 30 minutes – 1 hour long. We can schedule additional sessions for children who might need more time to complete our tasks.  For in-person appointments, we provide a family friendly waiting room with toys and movies!

Am I compensated? 

Yes! Families receive a $20 gift card for each completed session. Gift card options include Amazon, Target, or Walmart. Children participating in-person receive a small toy or book.

Parents are provided a brief report summarizing their child’s language abilities and are provided with information about resources for children with weaker language skills. Parents can also consult with Dr. Crespo, a certified bilingual speech-language pathologist, about concerns they may have about their child’s language abilities.

Where is our lab located? 

Our lab is located at:

Boston University
Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences
635 Commonwealth Ave, Boston,  MA, 02215

 

Interested in participating or want more information? 

Email us at cresplab@bu.edu Call us at (617) 353-3379

Or complete a participant interest form, and we will contact you!