Author: Stefanie Cousins

24 Feb

Posted at 11:12h in Children, Content, Kids, Media, Research

The moment that changes a children’s series rarely just happens in the writers’ room. It can also happen in a living room.

A five-year-old girl tilts her head and says something unexpected about a character. A parent pauses and admits they’re not sure what the takeaway was. An eight-year-old boy laughs at a moment the creators thought was instructional, and tunes out during the explanation. Those are the moments that shape better content.

When people think about research in children’s media, they often think about measurement, proving that something worked after it’s complete. But the real power of research happens much earlier. Research doesn’t just validate content. It influences it.

Where Insight Changes Direction

In our work with PBS KIDS, Nickelodeon, and other children’s media clients across broadcast, digital, and interactive properties, we’re often brought in while content is still evolving. Animatics are rough. Scripts are fluid. Characters haven’t been finalized. Game mechanics are still being refined. That’s exactly when research matters most.

What we uncover doesn’t sit in a report; it informs revision. We examine questions that go beyond surface appeal:

• Do children understand the core skill the episode is designed to model?

• Do children understand the core skill the episode is designed to model?

• Is the learning goal clear, or buried under plot?

• Are the rules of the world intuitive to young viewers?

• Does the problem feel concrete, or abstract?

• When do children disengage, and what’s happening at that moment?

• Are parents interpreting the educational intention the way producers expect?

Sometimes the insight confirms the creative approach. Other times, it shifts it.

We’ve observed executive function skills resonating clearly, while the context surrounding them creates confusion. In one project, adults found career themes compelling, but children experienced them differently. In another, humor carried the learning more effectively than explanation. Without research, those disconnects remain invisible. With research, they become opportunities to revise, clarify, and strengthen before a series moves forward. In other words, those insights lead to better alignment between intention and interpretation. That’s not cosmetic feedback. It’s directional influence. 

Research as a Creative Partner

The strongest development teams don’t treat research as a compliance step at the end of production. They treat it as a creative partner.

When research is embedded in the development process, it can influence story pacing, character development, world-building clarity, the explicitness of educational messaging, and the balance between entertainment and instruction. The result isn’t content that feels “researched.” It’s content that feels intuitive, because it aligns with how children actually learn.

That alignment doesn’t happen by instinct alone. It happens by listening. 

Designing for How Kids Learn

This article is the first in a series exploring how research shapes and strengthens children’s media development across the broader children’s content landscape.

In upcoming articles, we’ll feature insights from Allison Caplovitz, PhD, Director of Content Research and Evaluation, and Senior Researchers Sylvia Rusnak and Tiffany Salone, whose expertise in child development, educational measurement, and media testing informs the work behind the scenes.

If you’re developing content for children, consider this:

• Do you know what kids are actually taking away?
• Are you testing intention against interpretation?
• Are you building in time to revise based on evidence?

Because if you’re building for kids, listening to them isn’t optional. It’s foundational.

By Stefanie Cousins, Vice President, Marketing and Communications

08 Apr

Posted at 14:05h in Kids, Qualitative Research, Research Camp


We’re beyond excited to announce that Research Camp is growing! In addition to our beloved Boston location at New England Base Camp, we’re launching a second site at Colorado Adventure Point in Denver.

Why Denver? Colorado Adventure Point is an incredible 20,000-square-foot Scouting and adventure education facility featuring:

• A two-story rock-climbing wall
• Archery & air rifle ranges
• Technology & culinary labs
• An outdoor adventure park

At Research Camp, kids take on real-world research and design challenges while experiencing the best of summer camp. By using participatory research methods, we uncover kids’ ideas, emotions, and experiences—helping our clients gain deep, meaningful insights.

Want a sneak peek at our new Denver camp? Check it out here.

Curious about Research Camp and how to get involved? Learn more: here!

We can’t wait to see how our Denver campers bring fresh perspectives to our research.

01 Mar

Posted at 14:06h in Family Strong, Fluent Productions

Five years ago, we embarked on a unique storytelling journey. At the height of the pandemic lockdown, we handed cameras to five American families and asked them to document their own lives—capturing the raw, unfiltered reality of navigating uncertainty, resilience, and hope. The result? Family Strong — a deeply personal, self-shot docuseries that earned five Telly Awards for its innovative storytelling produced by Heath Cozens and Nellie Gregorian at Fluent Productions.

Now, on the fifth anniversary of the pandemic, we’re reconnecting with all five families to see how their lives have unfolded. How did the pandemic impact them? What challenges remain, and what transformations took them by surprise? Take a peek at the teaser for a glimpse of what’s to come.

10 Feb

Posted at 16:46h in Children, Education, Kids, STEM, Technology

On February 11, the world celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This day is dedicated to recognizing the achievements of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. It is meant to inspire the next generation of girls to pursue scientific careers. Despite progress over the past few decades, women remain underrepresented in many STEM disciplines (i.e., engineering, physics, and computer science). 

For more than a decade, I’ve studied how exposure to STEM can shape the trajectory of a child’s aspirations. Early exposure to STEM and the representation of women in STEM are especially critical to helping girls seem themselves as scientists.

The Problem: Underrepresentation of Women in STEM

The underrepresentation of women in STEM is not just a question of current numbers. It is deeply tied to the ways in which girls perceive STEM fields from a young age. One well-known tool for measuring these perceptions is the “Draw-A-Scientist” test. This research method has been used for decades to analyze how children envision scientists. 

A meta-analysis of children’s drawings found that early elementary school children drew male and female scientists in nearly equal numbers. However, high school students depicted male scientists four times more frequently than female scientists. This trend was even more pronounced among girls. At age six, about 70% of girls drew female scientists, but by age 16, only 25% did (Miller et al., 2018).

When girls don’t see themselves reflected in STEM careers, they are less likely to believe they belong in those fields. This can affect their motivation to pursue advanced coursework in science and math, reducing the likelihood of a STEM career. But research also shows a solution. Early exposure to STEM learning opportunities and female role models can foster a lasting interest in STEM.

The Importance of Early STEM Exposure

Research has consistently demonstrated that early exposure to STEM concepts and experiences can shape children’s long-term academic success and career aspirations (Bustamante et al., 2023). So how can parents, teachers, and mentors help foster a love of STEM in girls? There are several evidence-based strategies that can make a real difference.

1. Build a Better STEM Foundation with Toys and Spatial Talk

Play is a powerful way for children to develop STEM-related skills without even realizing it. Everyday toys and games like blocks, puzzles, and Legos are powerful ways to promote spatial reasoning, critical thinking, and problem solving. Research shows that early spatial reasoning (the ability to mentally manipulate shapes and objects) is a strong predictor of later success in engineering and math.

Importantly, playing with kids rather than having them play alone helps to increase enjoyment and scaffold their learning. For example, adults and kids can try building a tower together and predicting when it will fall over. Then, they can problem solve together to figure out how to prevent it from falling over again. 

Using spatial language (e.g., words like “up” “small” and “flip”) can enhance children’s spatial reasoning skills during play. Studies have found that parents who use more spatial language with their children see improvements in their children’s spatial abilities, especially for girls (Pruden & Levine, 2017).

2. Choose High-quality STEM TV Shows and Games

Representation matters. Media that portrays women and girls as capable scientists can help normalize these roles and inspire young viewers. One notable example is PBS’s SciGirls, a show that follows real girls engaging in STEM, from designing technology to conducting environmental research. Similarly, PBS’s Odd Squad TV series and games introduce children to problem-solving concepts in a fun, detective-style format that spotlights female characters. 

Fluent Research has partnered with similar organizations to conduct research on the impact of exposure to math games on children’s math learning. We have found that such games had a positive impact on foundational math skills. TV shows and games focused on STEM not only promote these important skills, but can challenge stereotypes of girls in STEM fields.

3. Give Girls more Real-World STEM Experiences

Extracurricular STEM programs provide girls with opportunities to explore science and technology outside the classroom. Organizations like Girls Who Code offer free programs that teach girls how to code in supportive, collaborative environments. Similarly, STEM-focused exposure to programs like summer camps and science fairs provide hands-on experience to a variety of STEM concepts that can pique their interest.

Programs that bring scientists and engineers into classrooms can also have a significant impact. Schools and community organizations can invite female professionals to speak about their work as scientists, engineers, and data analysts. When girls meet women in STEM careers, they recognize that success in these fields is both attainable and important.

Supporting the Next Generation of Women in STEM

Supporting the next generation of women in STEM is crucial for expanding the roles women play in these fields. Promoting girls’ interest in STEM is not just about creating opportunities. It’s about challenging stereotypes, providing role models, and fostering environments where girls can build confidence in their abilities. At Fluent, we are dedicated to conducting research that supports children’s engagement with STEM. By supporting these initiatives, we help ensure that the next generation of scientists and leaders in STEM includes more girls.

Written by Kelly Sheehan, Senior User Experience Researcher at Fluent Research

 

01 Aug

Posted at 14:07h in Children, Content, Wellbeing

As a researcher specializing in media, technology and children, my work is informed by my interest in, and knowledge of, child development. At Fluent Research, we have collaborated with numerous media companies to provide insights into the evolving experiences of children and parents with digital media.

One recurring theme in our research is the desire of both parents and children to limit their screentime, but their inability to do so consistently. This discrepancy in knowledge and practice often stems from parents feeling overwhelmed by the plethora of media choices, and their fear that if they limit screens, their children might feel left out. For kids, the compelling nature of digital content, peer influences, the omnipresence of screens in their daily lives, and the algorithms that feed them more and more content make it extremely challenging to limit their use of digital media.

With the passage of the new Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act in the U.S. Senate this week, we are on our way to implementing some new protections for kids. It’s about time!

This new bill marries two different acts, The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) 2.0. Both represent significant legislative efforts aimed at enhancing online safety and privacy for children. As this bill moves closer to passage, it is important to consider its implications.

• Kids Online Safety Act:

– KOSA aims to update and expand protections for children under 17.

– KOSA also provides guardians with more control over platforms, prevents features such as autoplay, and provides for stronger default privacy settings.

• Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule 2.0

– COPPA 2.0, which is an extension of the original COPPA, was enacted in 1998 to regulate the collection of personal information from children under 13.

– This new version of COPPA 2.o would also expand protections for teens.

– The proposed updates in COPPA 2.0 also address targeted advertising, data retention practices, and the need for verifiable parental consent.

– COPPA 2.0 aims to provide stronger safeguards in this new era of media saturation.

The passage of KOSA in the Senate and future passage in the U.S. House of Representatives could mark a significant step forward in protecting children’s digital wellbeing. As someone working every day at the intersection of media, technology, and child development, I believe these legislative measures are long overdue. They not only aim to safeguard privacy but also to foster healthier digital habits among children. By creating a more regulated and child-friendly digital landscape, we can help kids and parents alike navigate the complexities of technology while minimizing potential risks. In this ever-polarized political landscape, we can all come together and agree that our kids are worth protecting!

By Allison Caplovitz, Director, Content Research and Evaluation

28 Aug

Posted at 20:11h in Education, Methodology, Research

As a quantitative researcher and a current joint major in economics and math, we have been encouraged to see the increased emphasis on motivating girls and women to pursue STEM activities and educational opportunities in recent years. We were inspired to spotlight STEM opportunities for women in college in light of a Forbes article we read by the CEO of Vector Laboratories Dr. Lisa Sellers that focuses on what companies can do to motivate women to pursue STEM careers.

Dr. Sellers offers insightful strategies for out-of-school organizations, companies, and secondary schools to encourage young women to pursue STEM and how to make it more inclusive of all genders. Since women who are entering college or already matriculating may not have had these opportunities, we wondered how colleges and universities might inspire women to pursue STEM majors and careers.

From Fluent’s perspective there is one obvious first step, and that is to conduct research to better understand women’s experiences, needs, opinions, and perceptions of STEM. Below we suggest ideas for research as well as steps that institutions might take to welcome more women into STEM majors and related careers:

Ask women what they need

Qualitative, quantitative, or a mix of both research methods can help uncover insights into women’s attitudes and perceptions of STEM majors. Focus groups of women in college who have chosen STEM majors would provide an understanding of why they chose that major, what has helped them succeed, and what else would support them in pursuit of their degree and opportunities after graduation. Focus groups with students who have not yet declared a major may provide insight into the barriers that exist for women pursuing a STEM major or career. Additionally, colleges and universities may want to survey current and prospective students to understand how they perceive STEM majors and the barriers in pursuing them. With this understanding, institutions of higher education can make adjustments to help encourage more women to pursue STEM.

Invite women to join

Sometimes all someone needs is an invitation to join. It’s a lot easier to join a group when you’re invited – that signals to someone that they are welcome! Colleges and universities can offer information sessions about various majors, including STEM majors, and invite women to attend or host women-only events specific to STEM.  

Encourage women to try something new

Colleges and universities should remind students that college is a great opportunity to try something new. Yes, some students in Intro to Computer Science may have already taken AP Computer Science in high school or attended coding camp. However introductory classes are designed to teach everything you need to be successful in that class. Emphasizing that no prior knowledge is needed to take an introductory class in course descriptions, syllabi, and professor communications can help encourage those students who have less experience with STEM subject matter to feel comfortable taking a chance on a class that is outside of their comfort zone.

Provide women with mentorship

Female role models are essential for other women to hear stories of personal experiences that help them envision a path forward for themselves. There are many opportunities to provide role models in a higher education setting: 1) Encourage women to be teaching assistants in STEM classes. 2) Provide opportunities for recent graduates in STEM majors to speak about their college and first job experiences. 3) Invite women in management and leadership positions to speak openly about their own paths and provide guidance for those just starting out.

At Fluent, our experience with colleges and universities, clients in the education sector, and young adult populations has shown us time and again the value of research. Clients have the opportunity to directly impact students’ educational experiences and outcomes by testing and improving materials and offerings with their target audience. Similarly, research also provides them with an understanding of their brand equity, what drives it, and benchmarks that help to improve their standing. On a more personal note, we have both benefited from some of the ideas suggested above. We are particularly grateful for the strong mentorship we’ve received from professors, managers, and co-workers. Moreover, the invitations to join a group or try something new have opened doors for us. We believe these opportunities have been instrumental in our education and growth, and look forward to hearing new ideas to encourage  women to choose STEM education and careers.

 

By Mary Meyn and Halley Robbins

07 Apr

Posted at 17:31h in Children, Content, Kids, Media, Research, Technology

A wise and dear professor once told me, “The medium is not the message. The message is the message.” And when television was the medium, that was certainly true. But is that still the case with the proliferation of interactive media for children taking hold? Does the interactivity of the medium outweigh the content being delivered on it?

In the podcast series, Chasing Life, Dr. Sanjay Gupta delves into the science behind the impact of technology on our brains. This particular episode, Inside a Lab Studying Toddlers and Touchscreens,” explores the impact of interactive touchscreen technologies on very young children. Dr. Dimitri Christakis, a pediatrician and director of Seattle Children’s Research Institute, explains how his research is finding that children between the ages of 18 and 24 months struggle to disengage from an app in comparison to a traditional toy. This knowledge triggers questions for both parents of young children as well as the technology companies that create these apps. What can parents and tech companies do to prevent adverse effects on children’s young brains from this relatively new technology?

As a parent myself, I see in my teenagers how the interactivity and stimulation of technology keeps them fully engaged and immersed. And in my role as Director of Content Research and Evaluation at Fluent Research, I help technology and media companies understand how children and parents experience apps, games, and other products so designers and producers who create digital content for kids do so with their wellbeing in mind. This is more important than ever as technology continues to evolve and draw in the attention of a generation. As Dr. Christakis says, “Every program is educational. The question is, ‘What is it teaching?’” We need to do better for our children.

By Allison Caplovitz, PhD

14 Mar

Posted at 12:00h in Market Research, Methodology, Qualitative Research, Research

If you have had any interactions with a teen or young adult recently, I am sure you have heard the word “cringy” uttered more than once. Consider Chicken Shop Date interviews with Amelia Dimoldenberg and Taylor Swift’s infamous 2022 NYU graduation speech when she says “… learn to live alongside cringe,” as examples of the current cultural relevance of cringe. But how about “meta-cringe”? Trend forecasters predict that 2023 is the year of meta-cringe for Gen Z. While cringe is generally defined as embarrassment, awkwardness or discomfort about something or someone being out of touch, meta-cringe is defined as having an awareness that something is cringey and enjoying it anyway. A hallmark of meta-cringe is that it’s unclear whether the act is sincere or ironic, and because of that, the question about intent loses importance all together.

It makes sense that meta-cringe is having its moment. In the current political and social climate, Gen Z are inundated with news and trends that move at a speed far too fast to keep up with. Young people are understandably anxious about the state of the world and disillusioned with emerging adulthood for many reasons, including the war in Ukraine, mass shootings, climate change, and economic uncertainty. These feelings of distress, combined with Gen Z’s value of authenticity, leads young people to deliberately engage in absurd, awkward, and idiosyncratic cringe humor. Gen Z are no longer interested in projecting a perfect online image. Instead, they are rejecting the societal pressures of a flawless feed and the shame associated with cringeworthy moments, and in lieu of this, opting for curated cringe. This kind of humor is often an expression of nostalgia for the media and cultural trends of Gen Z’s adolescence from the 2000s to 2010s (i.e., Shrek raves, viral memes about 2000s emo singing impressions).

In our work at Fluent, where we often conduct research with Gen Z teens and young adults, we consider the cultural shifts and values that embody meta-cringe when trying to connect with and design for young people. Here are some ideas to keep in mind when working with Gen Z:

– Be Nostalgic: Find unique and easy ways for Gen Z to connect with the beloved digital and media world they grew up with (2000s to 2010s).

– Embrace Absurdity: Don’t be afraid to be cringy. Intentional or not, this peaks interest.

– Play with “when the curtain drops” moments: Focus on content that feels unstaged and genuine. Consider the trope of “when the curtain drops” or “the camera stops rolling” humor where the viewer gets a glimpse into the inner world of a character, or behind the scenes.

– Be Authentic: Be cringey, be real, as long as you are being truthful to you. A curated and manicured public image is not in style anymore.

– Cultivate personal and meaningful connection: Ensure that connection feels vulnerable, intimate and simple, perhaps with smaller groups of peers.

– Share the unfiltered self: Encourage sharing in a way that feels like unedited, first takes. Consider BeReal and Poparazzi as examples of apps popular among Gen Z that are designed for unedited and in-the-moment photo sharing.

– Be Relatable: One aspect of meta-cringe is the relatability of those moments of embarrassment, awkwardness or discomfort. It may be painful to watch, but the humor connects with Gen Z who are disillusioned with the perfect, filtered digital image.

Meta-cringe will influence Gen Z’s expectations and behaviors in the digital world. Young people are embracing their guilty pleasures and giving themselves permission to be themselves, IRL and online. We can view this carefree attitude as a way for Gen Z to express more vulnerability when they connect with others online.

Sources:
https://i-d.vice.com/en/article/qjkywp/meta-cringe
https://www.russh.com/tiktok-meta-cringe/
https://zeefeed.com.au/meta-cringe/
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRWYP36o/

By Natalia Belchikov, User Experience Researcher, Fluent Research

15 Jan

Posted at 20:38h in Content, Employee News, Research

January 17, 2023 (New York, NY) – Fluent Research, a data and insights-driven strategic consulting firm, announced today that Farrah Brensinger has been promoted to Senior UX Researcher. In this role, Farrah will oversee a wide range of global research studies, informing the development of new technologies and content.

 

“Farrah has demonstrated her deep analytical skills while working on diverse projects, ranging from UX research to impact assessments of educational content,” said Nellie Gregorian, Founder and President of Fluent Research. “I am excited to see Farrah’s accomplishments in her new role.”

 

Farrah is passionate about designing products, services, and experiences that create a better quality of life and a brighter future for all. She leverages qualitative research methodologies to build empathy and provide data-driven, actionable recommendations.

 

Prior to joining Fluent, Farrah worked at Shimmy Technologies, contributing user research for the development of game-based training tools used in the manufacturing sector.

 

About Fluent Research
Fluent Research is a data and insights-driven strategic consulting firm. Since 2006 Fluent has leveraged understanding of human behavior to help the world’s best-known brands and organizations advance worthy causes, innovate transformational products, and successfully navigate change. Fluent’s work centers around three practice areas: thought leadership research, formative research and evaluation, and social impact assessment. Fluent has applied rigorous and innovative research solutions in service of promoting children’s access to and quality of education, and gender equality in the U.S. and in over 70 countries around the world. Fluent’s creative arm, Fluent Productions, is an award-winning producer of original documentary content that harnesses the power of visual storytelling to bring attention to important issues facing our society, to build empathy and inspire action.

Contact: Stefanie Cousins
[email protected]

 

13 Jan

Posted at 07:37h in Children, Content, Employee News, Qualitative Research, Research

January 13, 2023 (New York, NY) – Fluent Research, a data and insights-driven strategic consulting firm, announced today that Tiffany Salone has been promoted to Senior Researcher. In this role, Tiffany will oversee a wide range of global research studies, informing the development of educational products and programs that benefit children, youth, and families.

“Tiffany excels at managing complex research projects, and she is an expert quantitative and qualitative analyst,” said Nellie Gregorian, Founder and President of Fluent Research. “Tiffany’s promotion acknowledges her contribution to our success and continuing growth.”

Tiffany has a deep background in technology and education. She is passionate about designing and conducting research that supports increased and equitable accessibility to education and technology, especially for young learners and their families. No matter what type of project she is working on, she is a consistent advocate for users, particularly those who are low-income or live in underserved communities around the world.

Prior to joining Fluent, Tiffany worked as a researcher in educational media and technology. Before working as a researcher, she spent eight years as a video producer, videographer, and editor of short documentaries and feature films.

About Fluent Research
Fluent Research is a data and insights-driven strategic consulting firm. Since 2006 Fluent has leveraged understanding of human behavior to help the world’s best-known brands and organizations advance worthy causes, innovate transformational products, and successfully navigate change. Fluent’s work centers around three practice areas: thought leadership research, formative research and evaluation, and social impact assessment. Fluent has applied rigorous and innovative research solutions in service of promoting children’s access to and quality of education, and gender equality in the U.S. and in over 70 countries around the world. Fluent’s creative arm, Fluent Productions, is an award-winning producer of original documentary content that harnesses the power of visual storytelling to bring attention to important issues facing our society, to build empathy and inspire action.

Contact: Stefanie Cousins
[email protected]