Advanced Experimental methods in psycholinguistics

Ling 525 Experimental method in Psycholinguistics is a comprehensive for understanding and deepen your knowledge in behavioral and neuroimaging methods used in psycholinguistic research.

Course Description

This course focuses on quantitative experimental research techniques used in language science, including behaviorial and neurocognitive methods in the study of language perception and production at the word, sentence, and discourse levels. Selected research methods and techniques (e.g., selecting and matching stimulus materials, picture/word naming, self-paced reading, priming techniques, eye-tracking, translation tasks, Event-Related Potentials-ERPs, fMRI techniques, and fNIRS ) are introduced and demonstrated, in relation to theoretical questions and research paradigms. We will also focus on the application of experimental research techniques in special populations, including babies, children, and patient populations.

The purpose of the course is to provide an overview of current experimental techniques used in psycholinguistic research, in relation to selected theoretical questions and research paradigms, and with an emphasis on the application of the different techniques for various research questions. Students will learn about the theories and research paradigms related to different research techniques, and when and how to apply these techniques. During the course, we will discuss papers that illustrate the use of the technique and will visit labs in which the technique is applied. Students will apply the technique and thus gain some hands-on experience. Students are also encouraged to develop experimental designs in which research techniques are applied, to give presentations in class and actively contribute to the discussions, and to write reports or critiques on using the different techniques.

In principle, a class meeting is organized as follows. First the teacher discusses the ins and outs of a particular technique, in relation to a selected theoretical question/research paradigm. This is followed by a student presentation of an empirical paper that used the technique in an optimal way. Finally, the implementation of the technique and its use in an experiment is demonstrated; this will include lab visits to research labs on campus.