14  General Lab Practices

14.1 Training research assistants

You are responsible for implementing rigorous training practices. Research assistants should be held to the same high standards for a ManyBabies project as they would be for you own lab’s studies. You are free to have any number of research assistants conduct the test sessions, but please aim for as much coding consistency as possible and document which research assistant tested and/or coded a given baby (using code names such as RA1, RA2, etc. if you wish). You will be asked to report about your standard training practices (e.g., how/when do you determine it’s okay for a research assistant to test real babies).

Online Coding

If you are using a central screen to gather accumulated looking data for infant-controlled familiarization, then research assistants will need to be properly trained in coding online looking behaviors.

Offline Coding

If you are not using an eyetracker to gather data, then you will need to code the test trials offline.

14.2 Greeting families

You can greet families, briefly explain the study’s purpose and goals in terms understandable to families (avoid technical jargon), obtain informed consent, and conduct the appointment as you normally would. Acknowledge their decision to consider participating and express appreciation for their time. Address potential concerns families might have and answer their questions openly and honestly.

14.3 Compensating families

You can use your lab’s standard, IRB-approved method for compensating families. This can include providing small gifts, cash, travel reimbursement, taxi rides, or other incentives for participation as you normally would. Participating labs are responsible for compensating their own participants.