Research on Language Learning
언어 학습 원리 연구
How Do Scientists Study Learning?
Researching the principles of how infants learn is quite challenging.
This is primarily because (quite obviously) babies cannot articulate their thoughts accurately.
So, how can we verify what babies know or learn?
Here are two fascinating scientific research methods
1. Eye Movement Tracking
Even newborns move their eyes.
When something is interesting, our gaze tends to focus on it, while we look away when something is less engaging. Scientists use eye movement tracking to investigate the learning principles of very young infants.
Can you see the ball on TV?
When babies are shown a screen displaying a ball and a cup, their eyes quickly turn toward the ball.
Notably, the speed at which they move their gaze to the correct image increases over time. Sometimes, they even look at the ball when only the letter 'b' is shown from the word "ball."
[Related Video] https://youtu.be/CuLMn8uQxss
2. Parent Interviews
In the case of parent interviews, a checklist with around 100 words is provided to parents, asking them to mark the words their child knows. However, there are limitations to how accurately parents can assess their child's vocabulary.
Thus, it's essential to also ask the child directly.
One method of interviewing infants involves asking about simple and complex words they often hear, mixing words like "wind" and "whirlwind."
To elucidate the principles of language learning in infants, both of these research methods can be utilized, differentiating between basic science that generates knowledge for theory formulation and applied science that seeks solutions to practical problems.
These two branches of science are distinct yet interconnected.
Basic science can help establish theories about human learning principles, while applied science can find ways to assist children who may learn more slowly or are developing at a slower pace than their peers.
References
Lew-Williams, C., & Weisleder, A. (2017). How do little kids learn language? Frontiers for Young Minds, 5, 1-8. https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2017.00045
