Our Research
We conduct studies with infants and preschool age children in order to better understand how children learn new words and develop concepts about the world around them. Our studies are non-evaluative and are formatted like games so that children have fun. Parents are with their children at all times and are provided with ample opportunity to ask questions.
The results of our investigations are mailed to interested parents upon completion of the project.
Current Projects
Gaze-Based Measures of Mind Wandering and Executive Functions in Children
This study will examine the common experience of mind wandering, which is shifting attention from a task at hand to something unrelated. In particular, we will explore mind wandering in children whose brain functions, such as the ability to focus, set goals and follow instructions are still developing. Specifically, we will examine gaze-based measures of mind wandering (using a non-invasive eye-tracker) in children, and how these vary between mind wandering tasks.
This study is looking for 8-12-year-olds to participate in our study!
The study requires a one-time visit to our lab at the University of Calgary, during which your child will be invited to play a series of games on a keyboard and screen, while answering questions throughout based on whether they were thinking on task or off task. Parents will complete a short questionnaire regarding their child.
Join our child database and be automatically notified when your child is eligible for a research study!
We are currently looking for child scientists, 4 and 5 years of age to participate in this study. Your child will receive a toy prize, t-shirt, and certificate for their invaluable contribution to our project.
Preschoolers' Social Categories
In this study, we are exploring the development of social categories in 4 and 5-year-olds. One way that children develop and use categories is by considering how people interact with one another. We are interested in investigating how children predict which social group an individual might belong to and whether they pay attention to helpful and harmful behaviours.
The study involves your child listening to a story about two different groups of characters and watching the characters interact on the screen. We will then ask your child to point to different objects and characters on the screen.
Research Collaborators
Dr. Craig Chambers, University of Toronto
Dr. Suzanne Curtin, Brock University
Dr. Patricia Ganea, University of Toronto, OISE
Dr. Susan Gelman, University of Michigan
Dr. Annette Henderson, University of Auckland
Dr. Laura Namy, Emory University
Dr. Elizabeth Nilsen, University of Waterloo
Research in the Language and Cognitive Development Lab is supported by the following agencies:
Language and Cognitive Development Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Calgary | AD 221
P: (403) 220-4955 | E: lcdlab@ucalgary.ca | 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary AB, T2N 1N4