Project Semantic interpretation by L1 and L2 speakers Program Margo Katherine Wilke Undergraduate Research Internship Program Term Spring 2025 Status Accepted Research Area Linguistics, psycholinguistics, second language acquisition Description The aim of this research is to examine how native English speakers and L2 learners of English interpret sentences involving quantifier scope like “Every horse didn’t jump over the fence”. Specifically, we are interested in how the interpretation of one sentence can influence the interpretation of another sentence through a process called priming. Additionally, we aim to investigate whether this priming effect persists over time. The study consists of four testing phases. The first phase is a pre-test, where participants’ baseline interpretive patterns for sentences involving quantifier scope are assessed. The second phase, the priming intervention, examines how assigning a particular interpretation to a sentence in one trial can facilitate the interpretation of a subsequent sentence in another trial. If this facilitation occurs, it indicates a priming effect. In this study, priming is treated as an intervention designed to implicitly teach participants a specific, often dispreferred, interpretation. This implicit learning effect is then tested in two subsequent phases: the immediate post-test and the delayed post-test. The main task for each testing session will be in the form of picture matching and truth-value judgment tasks. Supervisor Shaohua Fang Mentor Type of work required In the Spring of 2025, the undergraduate research assistant will primarily contribute in the following ways:
Selecting and Creating Materials: Identify and develop appropriate test sentences and pictures, drawing on published studies or related resources.
Recording Sentences (if needed): Record selected sentences for use in the experiment.
Drawing Stimuli (if needed): Create simple black-and-white line drawings to serve as visual stimuli.
Experiment Setup: Assist in setting up the experiment using a computer interface (no programming skills required).
Pilot Testing: Facilitate pilot testing with participants, either in the lab or remotely.
Websites https://cla.purdue.edu/english/francislab/ Qualifications The research assistant (RA) should ideally have some basic knowledge of linguistics; while not required, it is preferred that they have completed an introductory linguistics course. Experience with art and drawing is necessary. Prior knowledge of experimental procedures or software is not necessary, as training will be provided. Preference will be given to candidates who are proficient in languages other than English, particularly Chinese. Credit Hours 2 Weekly Hours 6 (estimated)