FAQ

Answers to common questions about our institute, research methodology, publications, privacy, and collaboration.

About the Institute

What is Blue Blocks Micro Research Institute?

A longitudinal research organization embedded within Blue Blocks Montessori school in Hyderabad, India. We observe and document child development from birth through age 18.

What is Micro Research?

A methodology we developed for embedded educational observation — high-frequency, low-complexity studies designed for practitioner execution.

How is this different from a university lab?

Universities face structural constraints: researchers graduate, grants end. We built an institution where research never ends because the school never ends.

Are you affiliated with a university?

Independent, but partnered with IIT Hyderabad and affiliated with AMI.

About Our Research

What do you study?

Three domains: Innovation (0–18), Montessori (0–18), Parenting (0–18).

How many children have you observed?

1045 children since 2009.

How long have you been doing this?

Since 2009 — 17 years of continuous observation.

Who does the observation?

25 Embedded Research Fellows — AMI-certified practitioners.

About Publications

Where do you publish?

All publications on Zenodo with DOI registration. Open access.

Are publications peer-reviewed?

Internal review before release. Formal peer review for foundational papers.

Can I access your data?

Yes — published papers are open; anonymized datasets require application.

About Privacy

How do you protect children's privacy?

All research data anonymized. Names never recorded. Individuals never identified.

Do parents consent?

Yes. All families provide consent at enrollment. May withdraw anytime.

Do you experiment on children?

No. We observe naturally occurring behavior. Never manipulate environments.

About Collaboration

Can I access your data?

Qualified researchers can apply. Requirements: institutional affiliation, research purpose, ethics approval.

Can I visit as a researcher?

2–3 visiting researchers annually. Apply through our website.

Can other schools use your methodology?

Yes. Micro Research is designed for adoption by other institutions.

About the School

Is this a real school?

Yes. Blue Blocks is a fully operating Montessori school (0–18).

Can I enroll my child?

Visit blueblocks.in for school inquiries.