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Word learning in the field: Adapting a laboratory-based task for testing in remote Papua New Guinea
Karen E Mulak1,2,3, Hannah S Sarvasy1,2, Alba Tuninetti1,2,4
1Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Dynamics of Language, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
Plos One
|September 16, 2021
Summary
Adapting lab-based word learning experiments for fieldwork is challenging. Researchers successfully modified tasks for Nungon speakers in Papua New Guinea, demonstrating effective word learning in a field setting.
Area of Science:
- Psycholinguistics
- Field Linguistics
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Adapting laboratory psycholinguistic methods for fieldwork presents significant challenges.
- Successful field implementation of these methods is crucial for understanding the full scope of human behavior.
- Previous attempts to conduct word learning experiments in remote communities have faced methodological hurdles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on two attempts to conduct word learning experiments with the Nungon-speaking community in Papua New Guinea.
- To identify and overcome difficulties in adapting psycholinguistic tasks for field research.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of successful word learning studies in remote, non-laboratory settings.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: Employed cross-situational and explicit word learning tasks with ambiguous and unambiguous word-object pairings, respectively, using laptop-based presentation.
- Experiment 2: Modified the explicit word learning task to improve clarity, reduce cognitive load, and integrate a real-world context.
- Both experiments involved participants from the Nungon community in Towet village, Saruwaged Mountains, Papua New Guinea.
Main Results:
- Experiment 1 yielded null results, possibly due to participant unfamiliarity with the task and laptop presentation.
- Experiment 2, with modifications, demonstrated clear evidence of word learning among Nungon participants.
- Thirty-four participants were recruited for each experiment over approximately one week.
Conclusions:
- Adapting laboratory psycholinguistic methods for fieldwork requires iterative refinement and may necessitate multiple attempts.
- Successful field adaptation of word learning experiments is achievable with careful consideration of task design and participant context.
- This study provides valuable insights for researchers aiming to conduct psycholinguistic research in diverse field settings.
