Georgia Institute of Technology Adult Development Lab

The J.S. Coon School of Psychology at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia conducts research with individuals ranging in age from age 18 to senior adults age 60 and over. The motto of the lab is "conducting research that addresses the problems adults encounter in their daily lives." Dr Fredda Blanchard-Fields, who received her PhD in Developmental Psychology from Wayne State University in Michigan, is head of the Adult Developmental Lab. Dr Blanchard-Fields receives ongoing funding for her projects from the National Institute on Aging. My husband and I initially became involved with the Georgia Tech Adult Lab when we retired and relocated to Georgia last year. We saw an ad on craigslist asking for participants in a study designed for newcomers to Atlanta. We signed up and have been involved with them since that time on an on call basis. We have participated in studies relating to differences in cognition, problem solving and reasoning among younger adults and senior adults 60 years and over.

Signing up for studies is easy and non-threatening. As a participant, Georgia Tech Adult Lab is always looking to add to its database of available subjects and currently a ten dollar referrral bonus is offered if you make a referral and that individual completes an assigned study. As a participant, you are paid for your participation in the study which usually lasts no more than 1 ½ -2 hours. You generally receive approximately ten dollars for each hour. You are free to accept or decline an invitation to participate in a study. You are fully informed of the study and then asked to sign a release form stating that you were informed about the study. You are asked not to reveal details of the study so as not to compromise the integrity and validity of the study. You can request the results of the study at the end of the current year if you are interested in seeing the findings of the particular study. Anonymity is guaranteed and all answers are in the aggregate, there is absolutely no way to identify individual answers or responses in the study. If you feel uncomfortable during the study, you are free to withdraw from the study with no further questions asked.

The staff of the Adult Developmental Lab is comprised of graduate students in psychology who are conducting graduate studies on various topics. The graduate students contact you when you fit the screening criteria and offer you the opportunity to participate in a given study. Once you agree to participate you will receive follow up material in the mail detailing directions to Georgia Tech, date of the study, the contact person and a parking permit which allows you to park free. If you are not able to park in the free spaces, you will be reimbursed for your out of pocket parking expenses. At times, you will receive a packet of information to be completed and brought with you to the appointed study. A few days before your appointment, you will receive a reminder call for your scheduled appointment.

In our experience with Georgia Tech University, we have participated in paper and pencil tests, computer surveys and palm pilot studies. Before each exercise, the assistant patiently and carefully explains the tasks that are to be completed. In some studies, we worked with other individuals, in other studies, we worked alone. After the study has been completed, you are debriefed which is not as ominous as it sounds! During the debriefing period, the assistant again explains the purpose of the study and what some of the results may signify or they may describe what may be the possible outcome based upon a proposed theory.

My husband and I have enjoyed participating in these studies and find the topics interesting. If you are a college student or senior adult over age 60 and would like to receive more information about the open studies and you live in the Atlanta or Marietta, Georgia area, I recommend you contact the Adult Development Lab at 404-385-0841. You may also periodically see listings on www.craigslist.com for current research studies. It is gratifying to know that you are contributing to research that will help to further understand age related issues spanning the years between early adulthood and the adult senior years. Growing older does have its benefits!