Participate in a Study

Note: Studies with human participants are an essential aspect of research at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development. In order to protect participants and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are implementing extensive infection prevention measures based on the guidelines of the Robert Koch Institute and other scientific findings. Find further information the page information on participant studies/hygiene measures.

General Information on our Studies

The Max Planck Institute for Human Development is always looking for men, women, and children of various ages who are interested in taking part in psychological studies. Here you can find out which projects are currently looking for participants and learn about the conditions for participation. If you have any questions on a specific study, please contact the person indicated. If you would like to participate in a study, please register by completing our contact form.

Studies with Children and Adolescents

How do children learn? How does their knowledge about everyday objects, animals, and plants develop? In our studies with children and adolescents, we use age-appropriate methods to address these questions and more. You can find further information on our current projects here. more

Studies with Adults

What role does experience play in decision making? And how does the way we make decisions change over the lifespan? Our studies with adults seek to answer these and other psychological questions. An overview of ongoing studies is available here.

Methods

The methods we use to collect research data differ depending on the topic and the research question being addressed. Some of the methods we use are described here.

This image shows a research assistant and a subject sitting next to her with an EEG cap.

EEG Scans

Eelectroencephalography (EEG) measures the electrical activity of clusters of nerve cells as reflected in changes in electric potential at various locations on the scalp. EEG scans are safe and non-invasive.

MRI Scans

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive method used to gain insights into the microstructural properties of the brain.

The image shows one subject wearing VR glasses

Virtual Reality Experiments

In the Virtual Reality Lab, participants are immersed in a virtual world where they are observed as they react to specific situations and complete tasks. The tests are individually programmed for each experiment.

This image shows a mother with her child on her lap. Opposite them is a research assistant.

Behavioural studies with children and infants

The BabyLab investigates how toddlers and children learn about their environment, what they grasp and what behaviour they adopt.

Data Analysis

The data assessed are processed and analyzed using various scientific models. Data protection is paramount at every step in this process. All data are collected and analyzed anonymously. Contact data and other personal information on study participants are collected for research purposes only and are deleted after a period of 6 months or, at the latest, once the study is completed.

Research Findings

Our press releases present a selection of research findings. Our aim is to communicate the Institute’s latest research in such a way that journalists and the general public are able to grasp complex ideas without prior knowledge of the research in question. Click below to access our latest press releases and all previous press releases:

Best of the Best: Who Makes the Most Accurate Decisions in Expert Groups?

How Do We Memorize New Information? Differences Between Young and Old