Below are some questions that parents and guardians often ask our team regarding the database
What is the Developmental Participant Database?
The Developmental Participant Database is a pool of families that are willing to participate in developmental psychology research studies.
Who runs and maintains the database?
The database is maintained by faculty members in the Developmental Psychology Department at Wilfrid Laurier University.
What do I have to do to enter my family into the database?
Click on the “Join Now” button below and you will be taken to a secure online form. After providing consent and answering a few questions, your family will be enrolled in the database.”
Is my information secure in the database?
Only approved researchers at Laurier will have access to the information you provide. All researchers who use the database must complete mandatory database training and receive approval from the Laurier Research Ethics Board. Your information is stored on an encrypted server managed by the IT department at Laurier. Researchers can only use your information to contact you about eligible studies. Your family’s information will never be downloaded from the server or shared with anyone outside of approved study personnel.
Do I have to answer every question on the intake form?
No, you don’t have to answer any questions you do not want to answer. You may provide us with as much information as you’re comfortable with.
How long will my information be stored in the database?
Your information is stored in the database indefinitely unless you request your family to be removed from the database.
What does participation in research look like?
Our researchers at Laurier conduct many different types of in-person and online studies. For more details about the types of studies you might take part in, please see the information about our participating research labs.
Will I get a lot of emails if I choose to enter my family into the database?
How often you are contacted will depend on how many studies are going on and whether or not your family is eligible to participate based on the information you give us. In general, you will not be contacted to participate in more than one study per month. You can always email our database administrator (devresearch@wlu.ca) if you would like to be contacted less often.
Who is eligible?
Families with children under the age of 18. If you are pregnant with your first child and would like to join the database, send a message to our team (devresearch@wlu.ca) and we’ll contact you with next steps.