This module explores experimental methods used in applied psycholinguistic research. Students will explore a wide breadth of literature, considering both traditional and technologically-advanced methodologies and exploring the opportunities and limitations presented by each. Different populations will be considered: starting with adults, we will also gain insight into research working with babies and children, as well as atypical populations including people with Alzheimer’s disease  and those with language disorders. The module will cover key areas of psycholinguistics – including language processing, language acquisition, and language loss – through a framework of experimental research design: we will consider the processes and challenges involved in designing and carrying out a research project by discussing and evaluating primary literature in this area.

1. Discuss key topics in psycholinguistics, including theoretical and experimental concepts.
2. Evaluate the methodologies behind experimental methods used in psycholinguistic research, with knowledge of how different methods should be applied to different research questions/populations.
3. Critically evaluate literature in the field, with an awareness of how scientific research is reported (or misreported) in the media.

The module will be delivered through a mix of large group and small group sessions, including, where relevant, asynchronous materials such as lecture recordings. Full details on the delivery mode of this module will be available on Learning Central at the start of the academic year – and may be, in part, determined by Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance.

Skills will be developed throughout the module through the framework of designing a research proposal. This will involve familiarization with the academic literature in psycholinguistics, including being able to critically evaluate primary research. Through developing a research proposal around the existing literature, students will gain skills in project development, delivering oral presentations, and report writing. There may also be opportunity to gain skills in data analysis, with an introduction to quantitative research using a basic programming language such as R. While these skills will provide a solid foundation of research knowledge for students planning to pursue research at postgraduate level, they will also feed in to key skills required by many employers: delivering convincing presentations, analysing and summarizing data, working on group projects, and thinking creatively about how to develop a new project. 

The assessment(s) for this module will be published in due course.

Indicative Syllabus:

We will explore various experimental methodologies, which may include: 

• Eye-tracking – eye movements and pupil dilation
• Neurolinguistic methods – fMRI, EEG, fNIRS
• Reaction time and response methods – head-turn, preferential looking
• Language elicitation – ultrasound, slips of the tongue

 These methodologies will be considered in relation to the following topics: 

• Language processing and perception
• Language production
• Infant language acquisition
• Second language acquisition
• Language loss through dementia and stroke
• Atypical populations, including those with dyslexia and ASD