Cognitive Processes in Duolingo English Test (DET) tasks: An EEG Study

Cognitive Processes in Duoling English Test (DET) tasks: An EEG Study

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This study aims to understand what happens in the brain when people complete different task types on the Duolingo English Test (DET). Using EEG (a non-invasive method to measure brain activity), participants will complete three DET tasks: Yes/No Vocabulary, Vocabulary in Context, and Dictation. The researchers will compare brain signals related to attention, understanding meaning, and mental effort (cognitive load) across these tasks. The goal is to provide clearer evidence that DET scores reflect the intended cognitive language skills and show how EEG can support process-based validation in language testing.

Students at Western

Healthy volunteers

English as their second language

Who can participate in this study?

Western Students who speak English as their second language.

What is involved?

Our study involves one 2-hour visit to the EEG lab at the Western Centre for Brain and Mind. During the visit, participants will complete three types of computer-based DET tasks: Yes/No Vocabulary (60 items, 5 seconds each), Vocabulary in Context (30 items, 20 seconds each), and Dictation (30 items, 60 seconds each). Participants will wear an EEG cap that will record their brain activity while they complete these tasks. They will also complete a short background questionnaire.

Principal Investigator & Posting Dates

Principal Investigator: Ruslan Suvorov
Study posted on: September 29th, 2026
Recruitment open until: June 30th, 2027

Who can I contact to learn more about this study?

Mina Hashemi: shashe32@uwo.ca

 

 

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