The online study aims to understand new fathers' beliefs about infant motor development and the impact on infants’ motor behaviors. Eligible participants are first-time fathers of infants aged 1-10 months living anywhere in the USA.
The Infant Development Lab at Elon University is conducting a research study to understand relationships between fathers’ beliefs about motor development in infancy and infant motor behaviors. We want to know:
- What do fathers believe about their role in shaping their baby’s motor development?
- How do fathers’ beliefs shape their daily caregiving practices with their babies?
- How do fathers’ caregiving practices impact infant motor development?
This study can be completed fully online. Fathers will first be asked to participate in an interview conversation over Zoom with a researcher, which may take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Afterwards, fathers will be invited to participate in an online survey. The survey can be completed on the participant’s own time and should take around 30 minutes. To be eligible for the study, you must meet the following criteria:
- You are an adult at least 18 years of age
- You are an English-speaking resident of the USA
- You are a father of a 1- to 10-month-old infant
- Your infant is your first-born child
Fathers who participate may enjoy reflecting on their baby’s development, which could inspire them to learn more about their child’s behaviors. In addition, findings from this study will help clinicians understand fathers’ beliefs about infant motor development, and the impact those beliefs may have on the effectiveness of interventions and subsequently infants’ motor habits. Fathers will be compensated for their time and responses with gift cards valuing up to $20 ($10 upon completion of the interview, $10 following completion of the survey)
If you or someone you know is interested in participating, or if you 
have additional questions about the study, please email us at infantlab@elon.edu or click here to visit our website).
Your support of this project helps expand educational opportunities for undergraduate students in the Infant Development Laboratory by helping them gain valuable experiential learning in research at Elon University. The Infant Development Lab is directed by Associate Professor of Psychology Sabrina Thurman.