FAQs
What happens with my data?
All data collected Is completely confidential. No names or other identifying information will be associated with your data on our state-of-the-art secure servers. This goes for all data including saliva and cheek swabs. Because all data is confidential and will be de-identified, we cannot provide your own “individualized” results to you.
I just gave birth. Can I still participate?
If you wish to participate in our studies that begin data collection prior to childbirth, no. All requirements of any study we post must be met. There are no exceptions to this due to the importance of collecting data at very specific points in pregnancy/development. We run multiple studies at a time—you are welcome to check back for opportunities that you may be eligible for.
Is there anything that is unsafe?
No. All saliva collection materials are safe and non-invasive. The activities that you participate in with your infant are standardized activities used in research for many years. Every aspect of these procedures has been verified as safe. The activities include solving puzzles and interacting with novel items with you or our trained staff in the room at all times.
Who visits my home and when?
If you are a part of our longitudinal work, we will conduct multiple home visits before and after the birth of your child. Most participants can expect two home visits prior to childbirth and then monthly home visits for up to one year following childbirth. All of our home visitors are highly trained professionals that have many years of experience dealing with young children and infants. These are undergraduate students that are majoring in a field related to family health.
How much time will this take?
This depends on the study that you signed up for. Most lab activities will only last 75-90 mins. Research that takes place in the home will require multiple visits with each visit lasting at least one hour. In either case, participants are compensated by the hour for their time in an amount deemed appropriate by the UMB Institutional Review Board.
Can I know what the study is about?
Yes. We will provide you with a broad summary of what we’re measuring and why during our initial contact with you in the lab or at home. Some components of the study require participant completion prior to learning about the specifics of that item. This is done to maintain the integrity of the measure. Information about measures will be disclosed at the completion of the study. This “debriefing” will occur prior to your exit from the lab (lab participants) or during your last home visit.