The Effects of Contextual Diversity on Word Learning and Processing: A Collaborative Workshop
Where: University College London
When: 21st September (afternoon) and 22nd September (full day) 2023
Organised by: Dr Rachael Hulme, Ms Rebecca Norman, Dr Jo Taylor, Prof Jenni Rodd
Recent theories of language development emphasise the importance of rich, varied linguistic experience in allowing individuals to build high-quality lexical knowledge. This theoretical view is supported by evidence of a processing benefit for words that are encountered in a wide range of linguistic contexts (e.g., “predicament”), compared with words that occur in more restricted contexts (e.g., “perjury”). Despite this growing consensus that Contextual Diversity is an important factor in determining the ease with which words are learned and processed, the underlying mechanism(s) by which these effects arise remains unclear. In addition, the literature contains puzzling inconsistencies as to exactly when benefits (or costs) of Contextual Diversity are observed.
This workshop will bring together researchers at all levels to explore recent empirical findings and discuss how these can be accommodated within competing theoretical frameworks. Through a series of short talks, longer presentations, and guided discussion this workshop will explore key issues related to the definition, operationalisation, and measurement of Contextual Diversity, and how Contextual Diversity can be viewed in light of a holistic theoretical framework encompassing how different types of variability affect learning and cognitive processing more generally.
Keynote talks:
Dr Limor Raviv – How variability shapes learning and generalization across domains
Rebecca Norman – The effects of contextual diversity on lexical processing: A scoping review
We would like to encourage researchers (especially ECRs) to give a short 15-minute talk to share their research as part of the workshop. The option to submit an abstract for a research talk is included in the registration form link (abstracts should be no more than 200 words excluding references). The deadline for abstract submission is: 5pm Friday 28th July 2023.
Please note that EPS Grindley Grants are available to support travel and accommodation for EPS post-graduate members. For ECRs not eligible for Grindley Grants, please indicate on the registration form whether you would like to be considered for some additional funding we have available to support travel and accommodation. (Priority for funding will be given to those who are giving a talk; funding is not likely to cover international travel.)
