At Arcadia, we’re proud to contribute to cutting-edge research into how toddlers and young children learn to think and talk. The early years of life are so important for linguistic, cognitive, and social development, and it’s thanks to the generous participation of families like yours that we can better understand these critical stages.
Taking part in a study is easy, fun, and designed especially for children. Each session is a relaxed and engaging experience where your child plays a game with a friendly researcher or student.
Every game is different, but all are designed to be enjoyable and simple to follow. Some games explore how children learn to control their behaviour, like a scientific version of Simon Says where they need to pause and think before acting. Others focus on language development, where children might learn new words and see how well they can remember and use them.
No matter the activity, everything is designed to be fun, interactive, and engaging, giving children an exciting opportunity to learn and explore while helping researchers understand more about how young minds grow.
All studies are carried out by researchers and students from the University of Edinburgh, including lecturers, research fellows, and postgraduate and undergraduate students who are passionate about early learning.
Before conducting any studies at Arcadia, students receive thorough training in working with young children. They also spend time getting to know the children in the nursery beforehand, making sure the experience feels natural, relaxed, and fun for everyone.
By taking part, you’re helping researchers learn more about early childhood development—and your child gets to enjoy a fun and engaging experience.
If you’d like to know more, we’re always happy to chat.
