Understanding how preschool children learn from taking risks

Behavioral and Neural Correlates of Adaptive Risk-Taking Behavior in Preschool-Aged Children

NIH-funded research Merrimack College · NIH-11124571

This study is looking at how taking risks can help preschoolers, ages 4 and 5, learn better and make friends, and it aims to find out how these adventurous behaviors can support their growth and development.

Quick facts

Grant typeR15 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMerrimack College NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (North Andover, United States)
Project IDNIH-11124571 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how risk-taking behaviors in preschool-aged children can lead to improved learning and social skills. By examining the relationship between risk-taking tendencies and implicit learning, the study aims to identify how these behaviors can positively influence development. Children aged 4 and 5 will participate in tasks designed to measure their risk-taking and learning abilities, providing insights into the neural and behavioral aspects of these interactions. The findings could inform better educational practices and interventions that promote healthy risk-taking in early childhood.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preschool-aged children, specifically those who are 4 to 5 years old.

Not a fit: Children outside the preschool age range, particularly those older than 5 years, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance educational strategies and interventions that support social and cognitive development in young children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that risk-taking can have adaptive benefits in learning contexts, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

North Andover, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.