What are you hoping to find out?
We are trying to learn how to tell the difference between typical behaviors and those that may be a problem in young children. Misbehavior is common and typical at preschool ages (like the terrible twos), so we need to learn more about those normal behaviors and when behaviors may be cause for concern. In this study, we are particularly interested in these areas: variations in child behavior; learning, memory, and problem-solving processes that are related to brain development; and family context.
How do I get involved and join MAPS?
We meet all of the families enrolled in MAPS at one of five participating clinics throughout Chicago and Indiana. Though this is the only way to enroll in MAPS, we occasionally have other studies about parents and their preschoolers that we openly recruit for. Please check the ‘How to Participate’ page in our website for more information!
I began a questionnaire at my child’s clinic and I needed to finish it at home. What now?
We understand that it may be difficult to complete the questionnaire while you are visiting the clinic, and that’s why we offer the option to mail the packet back to us. You should have received a self-addressed envelope with a stamp when you took the packet home. If you did not receive an envelope or need a replacement, please contact our Project Manager, Jackie Kestler, at 312-503-4374.
I completed my questionnaire and mailed it in, but haven’t received my gift card. How do I receive it?
Our clinic recruiters are in the office once a week so it may take a few days for your packet to be processed and your gift card to be mailed. If it has been over two weeks and you have not received your payment, please contact our Project Manager, Jackie Kestler, at 312-503-4374.
I’m receiving calls from a member of MAPS about questions I left blank. What is this about?
The questionnaire you fill out gives us valuable information about your child’s development. Some of these questions are crucial to our study. If you left a number of questions blank, a member of MAPS will call you to ensure that you didn’t accidentally skip a question.
How do I participate in the next phase of the study?
After we receive completed questionnaire packets, a group of researchers process this data and come up with a small number of families to invite to the next phase of the study. Remember, we hope to meet 500 families out of the 3,700 that fill out the questionnaire! If you are invited, you will receive a letter in the mail and a phone call from a member of MAPS.
How do I learn more about MAPS?
To stay up-to-date with MAPS, please join our Facebook page and download our newsletters which can be found on our website!
I’ve recently changed my address and/or phone number. How do I update you with this information?
We frequently have studies that your family may be eligible for. Some of these studies may involve a visit to our lab, while others may only require you to fill out a questionnaire at your home or online. In order for us to send you these invitations, having a current address, phone number and/or email address is very important. If you’d like to update your information, you can reach our Recruitment Specialist, Cecilia Ortega, at 773-615-7673.
Who can I contact with more questions?
Our team is willing and happy to help you!