Are you interested in Early Childhood research?
Curious about the process of conducting trusted studies, learning the value of research, and how you can contribute to research findings?
Research and Resources
In line with our aim of creating a robust ECD research ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, we seek to provide researchers, policymakers and industry leaders with resources to explore and draw upon to help develop future research and collaboration, or simply to learn more about ECD research being conducted locally.
In order for research to reflect the unique needs of the Abu Dhabi community - we need you to participate! Find out more about how to participate in ECA-funded research, more about our ongoing grants, and more information on our research results.
Participate in ECD research
You will help expand knowledge on child development in Abu Dhabi
Help shape future ECD policies and programs in Abu Dhabi
It’s Safe and Secure - ECA-funded researchers prioritize the safety of all research participants
Your data is protected - all ECA-funded research abides by Abu Dhabi's data protection policies
Ongoing research you can participate in today!
Ongoing research you can participate in today!
Participate in these ongoing research projects today to contribute to a thriving Early Years sector in Abu Dhabi - giving voice to Abu Dhabi's young children through a culture of research.
Child physical activity patterns and practices in Abu Dhabi
Principal investigator: Dr Kassim Abdullah, United Arab Emirates University
If you are the parent of a child aged 0-8, we invite you to take part in an anonymous survey as part of a study to understand the practices and experiences of Abu Dhabi parents and their young children with regard to nutrition and physical activity.
Investigating the Quality of Pre-K3 Educators and Classrooms in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
Principal investigator: Dr Nagla Ali, Emirates College for Advanced Education
If you are an Early Childhood (Pre-K3) educator, we invite you to take part in an anonymous survey to help us understand the workplace experiences of Pre-K3 teachers in Abu Dhabi.
What is Research Participation?
What is Research Participation?
Research helps us learn how children grow and what's best for their development. To do this research, we need people to take part in our studies and share their experiences.
There are different ways to get involved, we highlight both common and technology-enabled research methods below:
There are different ways to get involved, we highlight both common and technology-enabled research methods below:
Common research methods
Surveys & Questionnaires
Providing data through answering a set of questions
Interviews & Focus Groups
In-depth information provided from a conversation with a researcher or group discussions with the researcher to explore the experiences of a particular group
Observation
When a researcher watches your daily activity to learn about your behaviour
Common research methods
LENA - Language Environment Analysis Research
LENA technology delivers reliable, powerful feedback on how much caregivers are talking with infants, toddlers, and preschool students. This is important for cognitive and social-emotional development.
Measuring Brain Activity - EEG and fNIRS
Electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional Near InfraRed Spectroscopy (fNIRS) are proven safe and effective ways of measuring brain activity.
Eye-Tracking Research
Attention can be measured by observing babies' and children's eye movements. When a child sees something new or surprising, he or she will look at it. The technology provides insights into the behavioral and cognitive processes long before speaking begins. It is used worldwide and in the presence of a caregiver. It is safe and effective.
Activity Trackers, Height and Weight Measurements
Some researchers measure children's activity, their height and their weight for insights into physical health.
Microbiome Research
Gut microbiome research gives an understanding of your child's gut health. This has both physical and cognitive implications. See ECA's Anjal Z start up, Snapi Health, for more about this cutting edge research methodology.
Physiological Research
Physiological data collection is like taking a health snapshot of your or your child's body. Special sensors are used to gather information about heart rate, breathing, temperature and more. Sometimes, a researcher might even ask for a hair sample to measure stress levels through the chemical cortisol.