HP4063 RESEARCH LAB IN LANGUAGE IN PERCEPTION & THOUGHT

Does the language we speak influence other aspects of cognition and perception? This class will introduce you to the Whorfian Hypothesis about the relationship between language and thought, and how to conduct experimental tests using the neo-Whorfian approach and techniques from psycholinguistics. In the first half of the class, you will take part in a number of quick-fire experiments, to build up an experimental `tool kit' of techniques. We will review current evidence about the influence of different linguistic features on different domains of cognition and perception (e.g., categorization, spatial cognition, numerical cognition, colour perception, audition, and cross-modal perception). For each domain, we will investigate how the published literature relates to language in Singapore, and identify gaps in the existing literature. Interactions between language and the mind in extreme scenarios (e.g., language deprivation) will also be addressed. In the second half of the course, you will identify a research gap, formulate detailed a hypothesis, preregister a study, and conduct a data collection exercise for presentation in the class Symposium - a poster session held in the final week of term. The lab-based class provides an in-depth experience of the research cycle from identification of knowledge gaps to hypothesis formation, data collection and research presentation, with a focus on 21st century research skills such as power analysis & preregistration. This class will provide valuable insights for students with an interest in cross-cultural differences, psycholinguistics, education, or philosophy of mind. Students planning on conducting psychological research in the future will benefit from hands on experience of current best practice in the research cycle.