FAQ's - Babylab
Generally our studies take the form of simple games in which we present babies with various interesting things to look at and listen to. In some studies we show the babies short video clips or cartoons on a computer screen. Other studies are more interactive and involve showing the babies different toys or objects. For example a researcher might play a game with your baby to understand more about how they think and learn different skills. When you arrive at the Cambridge Babylab the researcher who is running the study will be there to greet you and explain what the study is about.
In addition to studies where we simply observe babies behaviour whilst playing with them and showing them different objects, we also use various methods for measuring brain activity and following eye movements. All these methods are of course completely safe for you and your baby, and everything will be explained to you before you agree to come and visit us.
Check out the Research Methods page to hear the Cambridge Babylab Researchers talk about the different methods we use!
Babies grow up quickly so we always need more babies for our studies. Most of our studies involve babies under 12 months of age, but we also have several studies for toddlers. If you sign up, we will phone you whenever your baby is the right age for one of our studies. Of course you are not obliged to participate and may drop out at any time.
If you would like to see some examples of the studies we run at the Babylab then Meet the Labs will outline the kind of research we are interested in. You are very welcome to contact us for more information about how we work and any other questions you may have about the Cambridge Babylab. You can find our full contact details here.
No. Taking part in any of our studies is entirely voluntary and you are free to withdraw at any time.
If you decide to come and visit us, you will be with your baby at all times. Your baby will either sit on your lap or in a baby chair. Each project has a small team of researchers, all of whom have received DBS (Disclosure Scotland Barring Service) clearance.
You are free to withdraw your child at any time from participation in the study.
We are able to reimburse the costs of travelling to the Babylab. We will also give you some small presents for you/your child to say thank you for participating in the study.
None! The projects in the Cambridge Babylab has received clearance from the Cambridge Psychology Research Ethics Committee.
We keep your baby’s details in a secure database. For the most part we keep contact details and some information about the pregnancy and delivery. The data we store are not disclosed to anyone outside the lab.
It is very easy!
The building we are based in is called the Craik-Marshall Building, at the Downing Site, CB2 3EB. If you are coming in by car, please let us know your car registration number so we can reserve a parking space for you. The car park is entered via the Tennis Court road (red route). Please use the visitors barrier and let security know that you are here for a study at the Craik-Marshall building. There is a one-way system in the car park and places are taken on a first come - first served basis. Parking directly in front of our building is labelled with a letter "P" on the map. We will reserve a parking space for you there with a yellow sign. In order to find it you would need to follow the one-way signs (red route), take three right turns that will lead you to the parking located in front of our lab. If you see a space any sooner, feel free to just park there as finding the lab the first time might be confusing! Any questions, give us a call on 01223766450.