Eyetracking in Second Language

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course uses a hands-on approach to first introduce a range of psycholinguistics research methods, and then to focus on eye-tracking in second language acquisition (SLA). No prior experience with any psycholinguistics methods, including eye tracking, is required. The course covers: Part One: • The theoretical assumptions, rationale and techniques for using a range of different psycholinguistic research methods in SLA research, and how each provides insight into language processing and learning. The methods discussed will depend on the interests of the class and will be determined in the first class, but can include reaction time, priming, neuro- and/or electrophysiological imaging, corpus analysis and diary studies. The review will conclude with eye tracking. Part Two: • Major applications of eye-tracking in L2 research, including text-based eye-tracking and visual world paradigm. • Practicalities of eye-tracking, including experiment design, selection of eye-movement measures, and data interpretation. • Techniques for collecting and analyzing eye-movement data using Tobii Pro software. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to critically evaluate psycholinguistic research studies, draft a design for an experiment with their tool of interest, and apply this method to their own research. The class will be interactive, with a combination of lectures, including guest lectures, and small and whole group discussions, and lab-based activities.