What We Do
The LDP Lab uses a range of safe and non-invasive research methodologies to study how infants and young children learn language.
Studying children’s home language environment
In this study method, we send families a soft T-shirt with a chest pocket into which parents place a lightweight audio recorder. They turn the recorder on in the morning and then go about their day as usual. Parents then send us the recorders back, and we study the different types of language interactions that children experience in everyday environments as they listen to one, two, or multiple languages.
Language games & Language questionnaires
We send parents questionnaires and ask them about their child’s language environment, or about their child’s language understanding or speaking (which sounds, gestures, or words does the child understand or use?). Your child may also interact with the researcher face-to-face, using toys, books, blocks, or puppets. In some studies, we use a touch screen computer and ask children to point to pictures. Parents and caregivers are always welcome to stay with their child for the duration of the study!
Eye Tracking
In this methodology, we watch eye movements while children look at pictures and videos. This can show us what children are thinking about while they listen to language. Eye-tracking is a simple way for us to passively understand young language systems.
