Please read carefully to find out more about the UCLA Developmental Science Collaboration and becoming part of our participant pool. We are happy to answer any questions not addressed here. Click here to contact us.
What is the UCLA Developmental Science Collaboration?
The UCLA Developmental Science Collaboration is a group of researchers led by UCLA psychology professors Dr. Adriana Galván, Dr. Jennifer Silvers and Dr. Andrew Fuligni. We share an interest in exploring the social and brain development of children and adolescents. We employ research techniques such as surveys, computer tasks, and MRI brain scans to explore emotions, learning, decision-making, and many other psychological phenomena. Our goal is to advance understanding of human development and contribute to improving children’s health and well-being. To do so, we are actively recruiting participants to join a participant pool and learn more about individual studies we conduct. Find our more about the participant pool below.
What does it mean to join the participant pool?
Joining our participant pool means that you provide us your contact information and agree to be contacted once in a while with information on paid research opportunities. You may pick and choose which studies you and your child would like to participate in or you may choose not to participate in any studies.
Who is eligible to join the participant pool?
Parents and children ages 6-17 who speak English, reside in the Los Angeles area, and have transportation to the UCLA campus are eligible. To join the participant pool, children must be generally healthy and without any diagnoses of behavioral/psychological disorders or neurological impairments (e.g. anxiety, depression, seizures).
What specific information is required to join the participant pool?
We ask that you submit your name, your child’s/children’s name(s), date(s) of birth, and gender(s). You may sign up siblings with the same form. We also require your mailing address, phone number, and email address.
Is my information secure when I join the participant pool?
Yes, your information will be kept secure and confidential. It will be stored in a password-protected file on an encrypted device, which is also password-protected, and kept in a locked file cabinet. No one outside the research team will have access to your information and you will not be contacted for any reason other than to give you information on paid research opportunities.
Do I get paid for joining the participant pool?
You will not be paid for joining the participant pool. However, research studies that you will be invited to participate in are paid. Payment varies, but typically ranges between $30-$150, depending on the study.
Once I sign up for the participant pool, do I have to participate in a study?
No, there is no commitment. It is up to you whether you and your child participate in any of the studies we offer.
If I join the participant pool, how often should I expect to be contacted?
You will be contacted whenever a study is recruiting participants, which will vary. However, you will not be contacted more than once a month. If you would like to be contacted less often, please let us know. We would be happy to contact you every 3 or 6 months, or something in between.
I would like to be removed from the participant pool. What do I do?
Contact us at (424) 242-5852 or send us an email at ucladevsci@gmail.com. We will remove your contact information right away and will not contact you in the future. You can always ask to re-join if you change your mind.
I have questions about the rights of research participants. Where can I find out more?
Visit the website of the UCLA Office of the Human Research Protection Program (OHRPP) or contact the OHRPP by phone: (310) 206-2040; by email: participants@research.ucla.edu or by mail: Box 951406, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1406.
Where can I find out more about the researchers and their work?
Visit the laboratory websites of Dr. Adriana Galván, Dr. Jennifer Silvers, and Dr. Andrew Fuligni. Contact us if you have any questions!
What is a MRI and is it safe?
A MRI is a non-invasive, safe method that allows us to take pictures of an individual’s brains while they are lying down in the scanner. There is no radiation associated with MRI and no contrast is used in our studies. If you have anymore questions regarding MRIs or want to learn more click here to watch an educational video on the MRI process.