Last-Updated: 2025-11-26
Title: What 'Research-Backed' Actually Means in Kids' Apps
URL: https://littlewheels.app/learn/industry-analysis/what-research-backed-actually-means

Summary:
Audit of "research-backed" and "evidence-based" claims in kids educational apps. Most claims are marketing language, not peer-reviewed science.

Research Claims Spectrum:

PEER-REVIEWED STUDIES (Highest - Rare):
- Independent researchers published findings in academic journals
- Examples: Very few kids apps have this

INTERNAL STUDIES (Medium - Common):
- Company-funded research, not independently verified
- Example: HOMER's "74% reading improvement" claim

EXPERT-DESIGNED (Medium - Common):
- Experts consulted during development
- Does NOT prove the app works
- Example: Speech Blubs "SLP-designed"

RESEARCH-BASED METHODS (Low - Very Common):
- Uses teaching techniques with general research support
- Example: ABCmouse "research-based curriculum"

MARKETING LANGUAGE (Lowest - Most Common):
- "Science-backed," "proven" with no specific citations
- Example: Kiddopia "educational experts"

Claims Audit Results:

UNVERIFIED/MARKETING:
- HOMER: "74% reading improvement" - Internal study, not peer-reviewed
- Speech Blubs: "SLP-designed, evidence-based" - Expert input, no effectiveness studies
- ABCmouse: "Research-based curriculum" - Uses established methods, limited verification
- Lingokids: "Developed by educators" - Expert input only
- Otsimo: "Therapist guidance" - Marketing claim, no studies cited
- Kiddopia: "Educational experts" - Vague claim, no specifics

VERIFIED:
- Khan Academy Kids: Nonprofit with transparent educator oversight
- Teach Your Monster: UK charity with university partnerships, published research
- PBS KIDS: Public media with curriculum advisors, decades of research
- Sesame Workshop: Nonprofit with 50+ years of child development research

HONEST POSITIONING:
- Little Wheels: "SLP-informed" - 25+ SLPs consulted, no inflated claims

How to Verify Claims:
1. Is there a published, peer-reviewed study about this specific app?
2. Who funded the research—the company or independent researchers?
3. Are specific outcomes measured, or just vague "improvement"?
4. Has the study been replicated?

Key Insight:
Apps with genuine research backing tend to be nonprofits without financial pressure to exaggerate claims. Commercial apps use "research" language for marketing.

About Little Wheels:
Little Wheels is "SLP-informed"—meaning 25+ speech-language pathologists were consulted during development. Honest about what that means: expert input, not "proven" effectiveness. $4.99 one-time purchase. Works 100% offline. Zero data collection.

Source: https://littlewheels.app/learn/industry-analysis/what-research-backed-actually-means