In the CAP Lab, we use EEG (electroencephalogram) and ECG (electrocardiogram)–non-invasive measures (in other words, harmless) –to track children’s brain waves and heart activity.  We have lots of energetic research assistants and toys/games to play with your child while they wear a stretchy cap with sensors on it. The cap looks and fits like a swim cap as you can see in the picture of Dr. Cuevas. Not every study uses these techniques; we will let you know ahead of time what the study will involve!

Their hair gets a bit messy/crazy because we put gel into the little holes on the cap. Our brains emit tiny electrical signals, and the caps pick up those signals. Our cap sensors themselves do not give off any signals, they simply pick up signals coming off the surface of the scalp. To measure heart rate, we place two small sticky patches on the back.

In our studies, we play different games with your child to understand how kids learn, remember, and think at different points during development.  Our “social brain” games involve copying others, while our “cognitive control” games challenge children to do/say the opposite of a natural tendency.  By wearing our EEG & ECG sensors as they play, we gain insight into how brain waves and heart activity are involved in kids’ thinking.

We realize that young children are dynamic individuals–their moods, appetites, interests, etc. can change unexpectedly–and we are flexible! Occasionally, we need to take a break (or a few) during our games to sing, chat, have a snack, nap, or do something else. You know your child better than we do, and can stop the study at any time with no penalty.  Its OK if there is a point when your child is just done with our games and ready to go home–growing up is hard work!

It really depends on the particular study, but they are usually about an hour.  We leave wiggle room between appointments–some children need more time to “warm-up” (or take breaks) than others, and we don’t want to rush them! Other times, families can be running late (or early!) —and we want to be ready when science fits best with YOUR schedule.  We also include time for you to fill out paperwork and ask any questions.

We have two lab locations, while we are mainly headquartered on the UConn Waterbury Campus, we also have space on the UConn Storrs Campus. While we try to make sure every study can take place at either location, sometimes a study is only taking place at one location; if that is the case, you will be informed of that before signing up for a study.

On the UConn Waterbury Campus we are located in Room 337. We offer free and convenient parking in the Campus Parking Garage. As you pull into Campus Parking Garage, a research assistant will meet you to direct you to the reserved parking spot, provide you with a parking pass, and take you to our lab.

The Campus Parking Garage is attached to the main UConn Waterbury building and is accessible at 55 North Elm Street, Waterbury.  Directions to the Campus Parking Garage can be found here.

On the UConn Storrs Campus, we are located in the Bousfield Building Room 251. We offer free and convenient parking in the Campus PSC Reserved Spots on Babbidge Road. As you drive on Babbidge Road, a research assistant will meet you to direct you to the reserved parking spot, provide you with a parking pass, and take you to our lab.

Siblings are always welcome! We just ask that you let us know in advance so that we can make sure that one of our assistants will be available to “sibling-sit” so that you can be in the room with your other child during the study. We have many toys in our lab that are fun for all ages.

For most studies, we are able to provide $20-75 for participation. Regardless of funding, your child will receive a certificate of participation (suitable for framing!) and a small lab souvenir (such as a bib or t-shirt). We also believe that your child will find our games fun to play! There are no costs for participating in this study, aside from transportation to our lab. Parking will be provided.

Our studies are designed to investigate the abilities of typically-developing children at specific points in development. Thus, we collect data from large samples of participants and look at average performance of groups of children. In general, we are NOT assessing your child’s intelligence or achievement potential.

Although you will not receive the results of your child’s visit, we post updates on our studies, presentations, and publications on our website. Plus, a SCIENCE trip to college, is a fun experience for you and you child!

You will be with your child at all times.

We try to schedule appointments for times when your child is typically awake and playful.  We try to keep our appointments to Monday-Friday (9am- 5pm) or Saturday (9am-2pm), but we will work with you to find a time that works for everyone!