FAQ for Parents:

Why is this research important? Why should we participate?

Although these procedures for recording infant brain activity have been used for several decades for both medical and research purposes, we still know very little about infant brain development and neural responses to different types of stimuli. The information collected from your baby in this study will help us to gather important information about how infants' brains process social information and how person perception and social behavior develop.

What will my baby and I get from this experience?

We will not be able to tell you what your baby knows about faces or about their general cognitive ability, but you will be contributing to research that helps us understand how the brain develops and how infants learn. Group results of the study with a complete explanation of our findings will be sent to you in a letter as soon as the study is complete. This study is not designed to diagnose clinical problems, but if the recording reveals any information that might be important for your child's health, we will discuss the results with you to a medical professional who will be able to advise you whether additional tests should be dones. For your participation you will also recieve a small gift.

How will you record my baby's brain activity? Describe the cap.

The cap contains small sponges moistened with a small amount of saline solution, which allows a computer to record the responses of your baby's brain. The cap your baby will wear looks like a small swim cap. Its made of a light elastic fabrin, but is not as tight as a swim cap.

What should I do to prepare my baby for the study?

It is very important to schedule your baby's appointment at a time when they will be well rested and comfortable. If your baby is not used to wearing hats, it can also be helpful for some babies to prepare them by getting them used to wearing a hat in the days prior to the appointment. It is also helpful to bring familiar or favorite toys, books, videos, and /or anything else that your baby enjoys that will keep them entertained prior to the study and during any short breaks.

Is ths study safe?

Yes, our procedures are non-invasive. The studies have been evaluated, approved, and funded by the National Institutes of Health and evaluated and approved by the UT-Austin Institutional Review Board.

How did you get my child's name?

Since 2000, we've been granted access to children's names and dates of birth from the Bureau of Vital Statistics at the Texas Department of Health. We were granted access to this information because our project has been evaluated, approved, and funded by the National Institute of Health.

If your child is a toddler or older, we obtained his or her name from the Austin-American Statesman birth announcements.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes, you need an appointment. Please call 471-2059 or email langloislab@psy.utexas.edu to make an appointment.

Do both parents have to come?

No. Just one parent (or grandparent) can bring the child.

What will happen when I get there?