Behavioral and EEG studies of language learning

Behavioral and EEG studies of language learning

map-marker.pngWestern Interdisciplinary Research Building (WIRB)

Some aspects of language may be learned without conscious effort or focused attention. We are interested in understanding which aspects of language can be learned without effort, and which aspects of language require conscious processing and attention.

Adults 18 to 35 years old

Healthy volunteers

Monolingual English speaker

Who can participate in this study?

Adults aged 18 to 35 who meet the following criteria:

  • Monolingual English speakers. Must be native speakers of English, with little to no knowledge and/or exposure to any languages other than English.
  • Normal or corrected-to-normal vision.
  • Normal hearing.
  • No personal history of speech, hearing, learning, neurological, or psychiatric disorders.
  • Not currently taking medication that may affect brain functioning.

What is involved?

You will be presented with linguistic stimuli, such as syllables, words, phrases or sentences, and asked to perform different tasks associated with the stimuli, such as responding to targets by pressing a button, or making different judgments or ratings. You may also have your brain activity recorded using a technique called electroencephalography (EEG). This is a simple, non-invasive and painless procedure that involves measuring the brain’s response through electrodes embedded in an elastic cap.

Behavioural Study of Language Learning (currently recruiting): This study takes place in-person at Western University's main campus in the Western Interdisciplinary Research Building (WIRB). This study will take 1.5 hours to complete and you will be compensated $14/hour for your time. This study does not use EEG.

Principal Investigator & Posting Dates

Principal Investigator: Laura Batterink
Study posted on: May 12th, 2025
Recruitment open until: May 12th, 2026

Who can I contact to learn more about this study?

Jerrica Mulgrew: jmulgrew@uwo.ca

 

 

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