Between 18 months and two years of age most children reach what is called the language explosion. During this time, their language ability develops very rapidly: they are learning several new words a day and may begin putting two words together to form mini-sentences (“mama outside”). Thus, the two age groups we study are of particular interest when looking at language development because the younger group is just beginning to use language regularly whereas the older group has become far more entrenched in language. So, although the difference in age is not great, we see vast developmental differences between the two groups.

Of course, to study this age group we have to make the tasks fun and engaging!

During our interactive play session, we present the children with new toys and label them with new, made-up names. Later, the researcher will explore whether the children have learned the name by showing them two toys and asking for one toy by using the new name for it.

 

 

The tasks are always short, normally lasting about 10-15 minutes.

Our current Toddler Studies include:

  • Word Learning Studies
  • Non-verbal Symbol Learning Studies

This age group allows us to look at children who are still in the process of learning language and learning about the world, but are able to us a variety of skills to learn new words and to organize objects into kinds.

Our current Preschool Studies include:

  • Category Learning Studies
  • Word Meaning Studies

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Last updated February 2003.

Please direct questions or comments to Rachel Robertson.