Language and Learning Lab

Our research depends on the generous support of parents who allow their children to participate in our studies. Thank you so much to all of the families that have contributed to our research so far!

If you would like to add your child to our database of participants, click HERE or call (617) 358-6026!

Interested in our research? Click HERE for some recent press about our studies!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Language and Learning Lab?
We are a research lab at Boston University that is interested in the way that young children learn about the worl around them, especially the way that the learn from people and pictures. We are also part of the Child Development Labs, a group of research labs in the Psychology Department that are all interested in the way that children learn and grow.

How long does a study last? How many times do we need to come in?
A typical study lasts for about 30 minutes and requires only one visit to our lab.

What will my child do during the study?
Your child will hear a short story or play a short game with an experimenter. After the game or story, the experimenter will ask your child some questions to gauge what he or she remembers from the experience.

When are appointments scheduled?
We are happy to work around your schedule! Studies are typically scheduled Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Where are you located?
The Language and Learning Center is located at 64 Cummington Street on the Charles River campus of Boston University, right off of Commonwealth Avenue (near Fenway Park!). Look for this window when you are on Cummington Street:

Can I use public transportation to get there?
Yes! The nearest T stop is Boston University East Station on the Green Line (B - Boston College). Click HERE for more MBTA information.

Can I drive there? Is parking available?
Yes! Click here for an interactive map. Free parking is available in Lot K of the Warren Towers Garage (access from Hinsdale Street). A research assistant will meet you there with a parking pass. Click here for printer-friendly directions.

Will I be with my child during the study?
Of course! Parents are more than welcome to stay with their children for the duration of the study. However, we ask that you follow the instructions of the experimenter and refrain from interacting with your child so that you do not influence their responses.

I have more than one child. Can I bring all of my children with me if only one is participating?
Absolutely! A trained research assistant will be available to keep the rest of your children company during the study.

Does my child receive anything for participating?
Definitely! Your child will receive a small gift, like a t-shirt or a snack cup.

Will I receive the results of my child's performance?
In general, we are interested in the behaviors of large groups of children of a particular age, so we do not analyze the responses of individual children that participate in our studies. But if you are interested in the results of our research, we will mail you a newsletter with an update on the study your child participated in, as well as the progress of research going on in our lab.

I received a mailing or phone call from your lab. How did you get our information?
We recruit subjects from a number of sources, including public birth records and databases, recruiting events, and schools and daycares. But our best resource is you! If you know other parents that might be interested in participating in our research, please tell them about us!