Did you know your pregnancy or parenting experience could contribute to groundbreaking research? The research team in Psychology and Human Development at Vanderbilt University invites you to participate in exciting paid research!
They’re currently running three studies: two for expectant mothers: one exploring how pregnancy affects mood, thinking, and brain function; and another studying infant brain development. They’re also welcoming families with babies approaching their first birthday for a study about family interactions. All studies offer flexible scheduling — daytime, evenings or weekends — and you’ll be compensated for your time.
The ABC Study
The ABC (Assessment of Brain and Caregiving) Study is a research project that aims to understand how children grow and develop through their daily experiences and relationships. As a participant, you and your child’s other caregiver (if applicable) will be involved in study sessions during pregnancy and when your child is 1, 6, 12, and 18 months old.
These study sessions will take place at your home, in our research lab at Vanderbilt University, and at the Vanderbilt Imaging Center. At the Imaging Center, your child will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to observe how their brain is growing across the first year of life. MRI is safe for infants, has been used with infants for over 20 years, requires no medication and involves no radiation.
During the study visits, they will ask you and your family questions about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They will also provide wearable devices to study family interaction patterns and learn more about your child’s daily life. In total, the study will take approximately 30 hours across the visits. Families can earn up to $1300 for completing all parts of the study. They also provide small gifts, including 3D miniatures of your child’s brain and written reports on your child’s development.
We understand that parents of young children are busy, so they offer flexible scheduling, including daytime, evening and weekend appointments. If you have other children, they can provide childcare by trained staff during your visits, and they can help provide or cover the costs of transportation.
The CARE Study
The CARE (Collaborative Analysis of Relationship Experiences) Study is a research project that aims to understand children’s interactions with their caregivers. This study is for families with a child who is approximately 12 months old.
As a participant, you and your child’s other parent (if applicable) will engage in several research activities. The study begins with a home-based week-long assessment using wearable devices to study family interaction patterns and learn more about your child’s daily life. These devices will be worn by your family members every day for 7 days in a row.
Following this at-home period, one caregiver and the child will come to Vanderbilt University to complete a set of activities in our research rooms. About one month later, the other caregiver (if applicable) will return with the child for a similar visit. During these sessions, they will ask questions about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and you will participate in structured activities that involve interacting with your child.
The total time commitment is approximately 7–8 hours across two visits to Vanderbilt (for both parents, if applicable), plus the at-home portion. Families can earn up to $415, and they also provide small gifts to thank you for your participation. As with their other studies, they offer flexible scheduling, childcare, and support with transportation.
The Brain Changes in Pregnancy Study
The Brain Changes in Pregnancy Study is a research project that aims to understand more about how the brain changes during pregnancy. This study is open to pregnant individuals and involves a series of five study visits: four in-person visits during pregnancy (each spaced one month apart) and one remote follow-up visit after your child is born.
Each in-person visit will take place at Vanderbilt’s research lab and the Vanderbilt Imaging Center and includes an MRI scan, EEG, cognitive assessments, questionnaires and biospecimen collection (such as saliva, blood and hair). Each visit can last up to five hours.
Participants can earn up to $920 for completing all parts of the study. They offer flexible scheduling during the day, evenings and weekends. As with our other studies, childcare is available during visits, and they can assist with transportation or cover related costs.
They understand that these studies require time and effort, and we aim to make participation as smooth and rewarding as possible. They are looking for families who are excited to contribute to important research about brain development, family relationships and the transition into parenthood.
For more information, visit vusealab.com/
