Research in CDL

An optimal environment for experiential activities connected to courses in many disciplines. These include:

• Observation of children 6 weeks to kindergarten entrance
• Participation in a quality early childhood environment
• Design clothing for children
• Work with children demonstrating dance, theater, music
• Design activities to support motor development
• Design outdoor learning environments
• Implement concepts and practice skills learned in your class

Research at the CDL

A central mission of the Child Development Laboratories is to generate new knowledge regarding child development and early childhood education while training future scholars in the field. The CDLs work to support research experiences for faculty, graduate students and undergraduates across campus in several ways.

For more specific information regarding the various types of research occurring, please browse the following Lab websites:

• Early Language and Literacy Investigations (ELLI) Lab
• Building Early Emotion Skills (BEES) Lab
• Insight into Infant's Internal Worlds (IIIW) Lab
• Research in Autism and Developmental Disabilities (RADD) Lab

Application

Research Application Deadlines

• Summer research: May 1
• Fall research: Aug. 21
• Spring research: Dec. 1

Each research project is reviewed by the CDL Research Committee to ensure that the rights of children and families are protected and that the research is practical in this setting.

Applying to Conduct Research at the CDLs

In order to obtain permission to perform research in the Child Development Laboratories, please follow the steps below:

1. Complete the CDLs Research Application and email it to Dr. Sarah Douglas & Laurie Linscott (sdouglas@msu.edu & linscott@msu.edu).
   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 CDL Research will meet shortly after the deadlines above to discuss submitted research proposals. You will be informed of the meeting outcome via e-mail. The CDL Research Assistant will be in contact afterward to discuss research protocols and begin scheduling.

Once Approval is Obtained

1. If approved, the applicant will receive IRB approval from Michigan State University.  Please provide IRB approval documentation to the CDLs in addition to stamped consent forms. IRB guidelines should be followed throughout data collection.
2. All research assistants for projects will need federal Central Registry Clearance to work with children from the Department of Human Services (Ingham County DHS, 5305 S. Cedar St., Lansing MI), and state ICHAT (Internet Criminal History Access Tool) clearance. The PI (Principal Investigator) or project manager will be responsible for obtaining all of these forms for their research assistants, and then turning them into the CDL Office or e-mail to cdl@msu.edu. All research assistants will need to sign the mandated reporter form, code of ethical conduct, and good moral standards form. These will also be turned in to the CDL RA through the project manager or PI. See the Required Research Paperwork form for all required documents including a link to our How-To-Guide.  
3. All research assistants need to familiarize themselves with the CDL RA Handbook. The final page of the handbook needs to be signed and turned in to the CDL Research Assistant.
4. Note that verbal assent should be obtained from all children before testing.
5. Researchers will be expected to present findings from their research annually to the CDL.
6. Researchers should send verification when presentations or publications using data from the CDLs are accepted to Dr. Sarah Douglas and Laurie Linscott.