University of Maryland Cognition and Development Lab

Presenter: Nikki Tajaddini, Public Health Science, Global Public Health Scholars

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For my practicum, I worked at the UMD Cognition and Development Lab in the Benjamin Building as a research assistant. I aided on a study that assessed gender stereotypes that children internalize at young ages, and whether children are forming these ideas based on gender categories, or if gender expression also plays a role in this decision. As a research assistant, I conducted literature reviews in order to gain background knowledge and a solid foundation about gender stereotypes and how they develop in children. Additionally, I helped input new families into the participant database used in the lab so we could better recruit children of suitable ages for future studies. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the data collection for this study was remote, so as part of my responsibilities, I reviewed videos to ensure that the data was being correctly inputted into the datasheet. Throughout all of this, I learned about the intricacies of data collection and all the troubleshooting that is involved with designing a study. I also have gained knowledge about the recruitment process, and developed literary analysis as well as critical reading skills. With the research that I helped work on, we can gain a deeper understanding about how children internalize these truly harmful stereotypes that eventually contribute to gender inequality. With a better understanding, we can find various approaches to breaking this cycle of thinking and work towards a world where women and men are viewed the same.