Check out our video to learn more about us!

We are proud and grateful to have worked with over 1,000 families in the Triad area and to partner with over 60 daycares, preschools, and after-school programs in our goal to further our understanding of child development.  

If you are a daycare, preschool, or after-school program director and you would like to discuss what it means to partner with us, please feel free to call us at (336) 256-0048 or email us at duck_lab@uncg.edu. 

Why should I get involved?

We are a non-profit, university-affiliated organization that seeks to understand and improve knowledge about child development so that we can ultimately work toward improving the lives of children and families. We rely on the local community to support our research, and your participation is a tremendous help to us and to the field of psychology in general. 

Your participation also enables our students to earn the degree requirements required for their own career goals, whether those involve teaching, research, clinical practice, counselling, and social work, to name a few.

Finally, we provide a FUN and FREE family outing! Children like to participate in our games, parents enjoy watching the process and the opportunity for some relaxation time, and all children receive a small reward for taking part in our studies (e.g., toy or T-shirt). We provide free and convenient parking on campus, as well as refreshments for parents and children. 

How do I get involved?

We ask parents who might be interested in participating in our studies to sign up to be entered into our database of potential participants. This is a secure, confidential database and your entry in no way obliges you to participate in our research. When a study comes up that is relevant for your child’s age group, we will call or email you and tell you about it. At that point, you can decide whether you would like to participate in the study. 

To sign up for the database, please fill out our online form (just click the 'signup' button to the right), send us an email at duck_lab@uncg.edu, or give us a call at (336) 256-0048.

COVID-19 Update: Sign up for virtual studies now using the ‘signup’ button! We will resume in-person visits to the center when it is deemed safe to do so.

What will my child do in the lab?

Your child will play one or more games with a trained, child-friendly member of the lab. These games are tasks that are structured to look at social, cognitive, and/or emotional thought processes in children of different ages. When we call to ask you if you want to participate in study, we will provide you with all of the specific information about it and answer any questions. 
Learn more about our recent study topics →
  

How long will my child and I be in the lab?

The time taken to complete each task varies, but a typical session lasts approximately 30 minutes. You will know in advance how much time the study requires so that you can decide whether you are willing and able to participate. 

Where will I be while my child is tested?

It’s entirely up to you! You are welcome to stay with your child and watch him or her participate, or you can opt to stay in our waiting room.

What if I need to bring my other children with me?

You are welcome to bring your other children with you. We can provide babysitting services for them if you wish to watch your child participate in the task. Please advise us in advance if you plan to do this so that we can ensure that we have a babysitter available. 

Do I need to bring anything with me?

Just yourself and your child. We have everything we need in the lab and we also have a Family and Nursing Room available in the department should you require a private space.

I can’t come during regular work hours—does that mean I can’t participate?

Not at all! We will accommodate your schedule. We are available on evenings and weekends, as well as during regular workday hours. 

How do I get to the lab?

For detailed driving directions, or if you require more information, please click here.

What if we come to the lab and my child doesn’t want to play?

We want this to be a FUN experience for you and your child. Participation is always voluntary, and if your child is not in the mood to play with us, we will follow his or her lead and end the session. Your children will get a reward regardless of whether he or she completes our tasks. 

 

Do families enjoy the experience enough to return for more visits?

Please visit the parent testimonials page to hear what some of our families are saying about their DUCK Lab experience. 

Any other questions?

Please feel free to call us at (336) 256-0048 or contact us via email at duck_lab@uncg.edu