Research at a Distance: Replicating Semantic Differentiation Effects Using Remote Data Collection With Children...

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Cognitive Science
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Remote data collection offers potential for larger, more diverse samples in developmental science.
• Current limitations exist in comparing remote versus in-person data collection with children.
• Ensuring comparability is crucial for integrating findings across studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility and validity of remote data collection for children.
• To replicate established experimental effects using novel web-based tasks.
• To assess the comparability of remote data collection with traditional methods.

Main Methods:

• Developed web-based versions of two established experimental tasks for 4-6-year-old children.
• Recruited child participants from a virtual enrichment program.
• Conducted remote data collection via online platforms.

Main Results:

• Successfully replicated two key experimental effects in children using remote methods.
• Demonstrated the emergence of structured semantic representations (N=52).
• Showcased the role of semantic representations in inferential reasoning (N=40).

Conclusions:

• Remote data collection procedures can yield comparable results to in-person methods for children.
• Supports the use of remote data collection for more equitable and replicable developmental science.
• Highlights opportunities for community-based research collaborations and methodological advancements.