Our Lab Rat

A few weeks ago, I received a call from the U (if you live here, you know that is the University of Minnesota) asking if my son would like to be a subject in a study testing his "ability to take instruction". First I giggled at the thought of MY son being testing for taking instruction... and my hope that it isn't unusual that a boy his age takes instruction as a way to rebel and do the exact opposite. (Please, tell me, is this normal?) Then I flashed back to a sheet of paper that I filled out just after he was born that asked if he could be considered as a subject for such things. It was actually exciting to me because this is science! I miss real, complicated, procedure following, unexpected results science. And the U is known for their science in child development. I thought this might be a way to get a taste of it again. And I was right. It was only a taste but it was fun!

When we got there, the lead scientist explained and let me read through the two protocols he was performing. Then he asked me to get settled in a separate room with a video connection through a computer (which he also explained to Greyson which helped him not freak out when I wasn't in the room with him). The first protocol asked for the child (ages 4-8) to do something hard (too hard for them to complete on their own) and to see how the child would react. It is called "ego depletion". This picture here is Greyson trying to copy the black shape in the picture on the right with the other shapes he was given. He tried so hard! (Look at the face determined but totally knowing he is over his head!) The facilitator is off to the left with his back to him and only turns around when Greyson signals with ringing the bell.  The facilitator told me at the end that Greyson tried for 2.5 minutes which is a whole minute longer than the average.  It was fascinating to watch him! 



The next test was a vocabulary test. I can't tell you how many times I've been told that my kids have great vocabularies. He hit that one out of the park.

The one thing that had me giggling more than anything else was how the dear boy COULD NOT sit still! He was moving the WHOLE ENTIRE TIME! I guess I don't see it as much when I'm with him but in this setting of observing him, I couldn't help but see his constant movement! Amazing.... we say that same thing about his baby videos but I had no idea that he was still so much that way. I found it so hilarious that I had to call Ben to share and laugh about it. So funny!

Well, it was fun and Greyson got a new toy and I got five bucks for gas. Not a bad way to spend an hour.