Frecuently Asked Questions
- Are the data obtained confidential?
All the personal data collected, as well as the images that are recorded during the study are confidential, not shared with third parties and used only in the scope of the research in which they participate. Prior to conducting a study, the adult accompanying the baby will be informed, read and sign, if deemed appropriate, an exclusive informed consent for each study.
- If I have more children, can they come as companions?
Yes. While the study is being carried out, the companions (except the participating parent) will have to wait outside the room, next to the researcher. The children may be drawing or playing with the books and toys that we have in the lab for them.
We would appreciate it if you let us know in advance who will be coming.
- Will I be able to be with my child during the study?
Yes. In all our studies the baby is always accompanied by an adult. In some cases, the adult may be asked to wear opaque glasses or headphones with music (provided by the center) to avoid inadvertently influencing the baby's behavior.
- What are the studies?
During the studies, the baby will enter a room accompanied at all times by their caregiver. The baby will sit on the lap of his mother or father, and we will show him a short video with simple images and we will observe their natural reaction.
- Can this study pose any risk to my baby's health?
No. The studies are totally harmless for the baby.
- How long do the studies last?
The participation in our studies consists in coming for a one day for approximately 30 minutes. The studies themselves last approximately 5-10 minutes, but we always calculate that the total duration is around half an hour, since we also explain the study and show you the facilities.
- What happens if my child does not finish the study?
Normally the studies are very attractive and fun for the babies, since we show them images with many colors or phrases simulating native speech. Sometimes babies are tired, sleepy, surprised or complain because they are hungry or sleepy. In those cases, we stop the study immediately. If the researcher and caregivers consider it convenient, a short break can be made and the study resumed. At other times, we decided that it is better to definitively stop the study. When this happens, rest assured that we deeply appreciate your participation. The most important thing is the welfare of the child and whenever you are interested you can return to the center another day to participate again in another study.
- After our visit, will we receive information about the study?
It is important to keep in mind that we do not give individual results since we do not study the specific development of each child. These are not medical studies on the development of your baby. Our studies aim to answer general questions that have to do with language and logical abilities.
At the moment we finish a study, we send the families a small summary of the conclusions obtained at a general level (not individual). Also, when we publish a scientific article, we send you a short summary and the original document.
- I have older children. Can they participate in the studies?
Generally, the participants of our studies are babies between 4 and 24 months. However, we are happy to receive data for other children, in case we expand the age range of our studies in the future.
- I have friends / family with children who would be interested in participating, what should they do?
Any person interested in participating can send an email to: [email protected] or call 93.542.18.55. They can also register directly in our database at the link: https://www.upf.edu/web/cbclab/bebes_participa
- I have changed my address and contact telephone number, how can I notify you?
It is vitally important to have your correct contact information, since it is our communication channel with you. Send any change to: [email protected] and we will update our data.
- If the parents can not come, can a relative or babysitter come as a companion?
Yes, no problem. It is convenient to tell us this by phone when making the study appointment.
- What are the time slots for the studies?
The date and time of the study appointment are chosen according to the families’ availability. From Monday to Friday, from 9 in the morning to 7 in the afternoon. Also on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- What do we get for participating?
- Knowing you are helping to advance science
- First hand knowledge of how a scientific study works
- Being aware of new discoveries about language development and the logical capabilities of babies
- Free parking service
- Free taxi service for commuting from Barcelona and metropolitan area
- How can I find out more about your research?
You can consult the publications of the research groups that make up the Infant Research Laboratory here: