The Oxford University BabyLab is part of the Centre for Developmental Science in the Department of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford. We investigate cognitive development in infancy, for example how babies learn language or how infants and young children develop their attention and executive functions. We work with infants and toddlers up to 3 years old.
If we have a study suitable for your child we will send you the details and ask if you would like to take part. We will then arrange a convenient time for a visit to our purpose-built space in central Oxford. On the day of the visit to the BabyLab, you will be welcomed to our play area where we will discuss the study with you and answer any questions you may have. At the end of your visit you will be offered a thank you gift.
All the techniques we use are well tested and completely harmless. The main technique we use is eye-tracking: we show children images on a screen and play pre-recorded sounds over a speaker while we track where they are looking. For some studies we may use electroencephalography (EEG): children wear a special hat with sensors sensitive enough to detect the tiny electrical signals that the brain produces. Another method is near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), which uses light to work out which areas of the brain are most active when children are playing different games.
Main Address: Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Anna Watts Building, Woodstock Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX2 6GG