VISIT
US
School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, McGill University
2001 McGill College Avenue, 8th floor, room 832
Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1G1
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my child's sibling along? Yes, you can bring your other children along even if they are not participating in the study. Just let us know in advance so we can arrange some extra child care. while you and your baby complete the testing. For some studies, siblings can watch you complete the study. ​
How long do the studies usually take? Depending on the study, the testing session itself is typically between 5-15 minutes. We often need some additional time to complete a questionnaire which takes anywhere between 10-30 minutes. We usually schedule a 1-hour appointment to allow time to feed or change your baby, if needed.
Is there parking space or a metro station nearby? Yes, there is a parking garage on the bottom floor of our building and street parking close by. Our lab is also very close (less than a 5-minute walk) to metro McGill. The 24 bus also stops very close to our building. When we schedule your visit we will send detailed directions on how to find us.
I have a friend with a baby who is interested in your studies; how can they participate? We always welcome new participants, they can contact us by email at spdevlab@gmail.com or by phone at 514-398-1210.
What's the targeted age range for your studies? Our studies mainly focus on 4 to 18-month-old infants, but we also occasionally have some studies targeting adults.
My baby doesn't speak yet; what are you looking into? Babies begin to learn about the language they hear just by listening; this learning process starts even before they are born. They continue to learn as they grow. Our research examines how infants learn to recognize speech sounds.
How many visits do the studies usually require? Most of our studies only require one visit, but some may require multiple visits. You will be informed about the number of visits in advance.
Are the studies safe for my baby? Yes, all of our studies are non-invasive and safe for the baby. We typically observe their reactions to sounds and images while they sit on your lap. All sounds are played at a safe and comfortable volume for an infant. You will be with your baby for the entire duration of the experiment. Additionally, you may be asked to wear headphones or a sleeping mask to ensure that you do not influence your baby's reactions during the session.
Is my information going to be confidential? Yes, in our data, we will identify your baby by number and will delete any identifying information that identifies them or you. All of our researchers and lab members are fully trained and have formally agreed to uphold their responsibility to maintain your confidentiality.
Do you offer clinical assessments? We do not offer clinical assessments, and our studies are not clinical assessments. Our research focuses on learning more about typically developing babies, but we are always considering how our findings may help children with language learning difficulties.
Can I stop the study once it has already begun? Yes, you can take a break or withdraw from the study anytime. We will also stop the study if your baby becomes fussy or stressed.