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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I participate in research with the grow to care lab? 

At the Grow to Care Lab, our goal is to better understand children's social and emotional developement and to provide families with scientific-based tools to promote their child's wellbeing. Your participation directly contributes to our understandings of children's social and emotional development which, in turn,  supports the development of more effective strategies and resources for families, educators and healthcare professionals. Plus, by participating you may learn more about yourself and/or your child's development along the way! 

How long do research studies usually last?

At the Grow to Care Lab, we use a diverse range of formats and methods to conduct our research that vary in length and commitment. Every study is designed uniquely! Some studies may entail a one-time in-person visit that ranges from 60-120 minutes, some are an online interview through Zoom, and others may be a two-part mix of both. We try our best to accomodate the diverse needs and preferences of those interested in participating. Before you agree to participate, you will be fully informed about the time commitment needed and can decide beforehand if the study is the right fit for you. 

is participation voluntary? 

Yes, your participation is entirely voluntary. During your study session, you can withdraw at any time, without any penalty or impact on your wellbeing. With every study, you will always have the option to take breaks or stop the session entirely if you feel uncomfortable at any point. Participants can also choose to withdraw their data from the study within 30 days of having completed it. 

Will my personal information be kept private?

Yes, all personal information you provide throughout your participation is kept confidential. Your privacy is protected by strict ethical guidelines, and your identity will not be disclosed unless required by law. All data collected from our participants is anonymized and de-identified (which means your data cannot be linked to your identity). During the consent process, you will be given the option to consent to having your data shared at scientific conferences (for the purpose of demonstrating our findings with the scientific community), or having your data used for future unspecified research. This is completely optional, and choosing not to provide consent for data sharing or future research will not impact your ability to participate in the study.

Will I be compensated for my participation?

Yes, you and your child will be compensated in kind for your participation as a token of our appreciation.

What are the risks of participating in a research study?

Risk of participation varies by study. However, you will be fully informed of the risks and benefits of participating before you agree to participate and will be able to make your decision according to your comfort levels. While participating, if you are experiencing any discomfort, you can take breaks as needed and have the option to end your session at any point. 

Can my child or I participate in a study if we have a neurodivergent condition?

At the Grow to Care Lab, we strive to make our research studies inclusive and accessible to individuals with diverse needs and conditions. Eligibility for participation is determined by the study. Our top priority when creating an eligibility criteria is to ensure a positive experience for all participants and to minimize any potential for distress. As each study is designed differently, some studies may be more suitable than others for individuals with specific neurological and cognitive conditions.  For instance, studies that rely heavily on visual or auditory stimuli may not be the best option for individuals with visual or auditory impairments. Our eligibility criteria for each study will help you identify whether this study is appropriate for yourself and/or your child. If you are unsure whether a study is suitable for you or your child or have specific need or accomodation requests, please reach out to us.