Researchers from all departments across campus are welcome to apply to carry out research at the CDLs.
Information about the application process can be found below.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
For research in the summer: May 1st
For research in the fall: Aug 21st
For research in the spring: December 1st
The CDLs house an ongoing longitudinal database that provides many opportunities to understand children’s early social and literacy development. Faculty and students may apply to use these data for their own research projects.
Our work at the CDLs would not be possible without our undergraduate research assistants. Each year, approximately twelve students volunteer in the lab or work for independent study credits. Students learn how to work with young children and assess children’s development using a range of measures. Many students work on their own research projects, which have been presented at MSU’s University Undergraduate Research & Arts Forum as well as at national conferences. If you are interested in participating in this research, please contact the Director of Research at the CDLs, Dr. Lori Skibbe: skibbelo@msu.edu.
Parents and children enrolled at the CDLs participate in research projects from time to time. Each research project is reviewed by our Research Review Board to ensure that the rights of children and families are protected and that the research is practical in this setting. The Program Supervisor of the CDLs manages the research program so families and children are not overwhelmed by requests from researchers.
Applying to Conduct Research at the CDLs
In order to obtain permission to perform research in the Child Development Laboratories, please follow the steps outlined below:
1. Fill out the CDLs research application on-line, save it as a document to your computer and then email it to Dr. Lori Skibbe as an attachment (skibbelo@msu.edu). You can also access the application as a word document. Note: If you want to include Haslett as a research site, you must also complete the Haslett Public School’s Research Application form.
2. The Research Review Board at the MSU CDLs (i.e., Director of the CDLs, teachers from the CDLs, and faculty liaison from HDFS) will meet shortly after the deadlines noted above to discuss submitted research proposals.
3. Lori Skibbe will inform the applicant of the meeting outcome via e-mail and will schedule tentative timetable for research activities.
Once Approval is Obtained
1. If approved, the applicant should receive IRB approval from Michigan State University and provide the CDLs with stamped consent forms. IRB guidelines should be followed closely throughout data collection.
2. All research assistants need to go to the Department of Human Services (Ingham County DHS, 5305 S. Cedar St., Lansing MI) to get federal clearance to work with children. These forms should be turned into the main office at the East Lansing CDL.
3. In addition, all research assistants need to get state ICHAT clearance; this form can be obtained from the following website, http://apps.michigan.gov/ICHAT/Home.aspx. This form ensures that individuals working in the CDLs have not been convicted of a felony or serious
misdemeanor. Note that the cost to process this form is $10 per person, payable by credit card only.
4. Note that verbal assent should be obtained from all children before testing.
5. Researchers will be expected to present findings from their research during one of the CDLs staff meetings each spring.
6. Researchers should also inform the Director of Research at the CDLs, Dr. Lori Skibbe; skibbelo@msu.edu, when presentations or publications using data from the CDLs are accepted.
