A Typical Visit

The Infant Language Center is on the 3rd floor of the Levin building at 425 S. University Avenue, where University Avenue and Baltimore Avenue intersect. For our in-lab studies, participation involves visiting us at Penn for about half an hour, scheduled at your convenience. One of our research assistants will meet you and your child in the lobby of the building and lead you up to our office.
Here, you will find a playroom so your child can get comfortable in the new surroundings. We have a toy-box and crayons and paper for both you and your child to enjoy while our research assistant explains the study.
In one type of study, your child will sit with you and watch a video while we carefully observe how your child responds. Your child may see a bed and cup on the screen and hear "Where's the cup?". Children generally will look over at the cup. As they get older, children respond faster and more accurately.
Other types of studies include a play session with one of our researchers or a game on an interactive display. By watching how your child responds, we can learn more about how children acquire language.

We also conduct online studies in which your child can participate from home! During the study, your child will sit with you and watch a child-friendly video, while we record the session through your computer's webcam. After the study is done, we will observe how your child responded to our video.

At the end of the visit, you will be compensated with $45. We also reimburse parking and public transportation costs. For our online studies, you will be compensated with $25 via a prepaid card, Venmo, or PayPal (your choice).

If you are interested in participating, or would like to find out more, please contact us at ‪(267) 457-4606‬. You can also email us through the website, by clicking here.