Language comprehension at pre-school age

Description:

This study is being conducted in cooperation with the Department of Developmental Psychology at the University of Tübingen. We are investigating how children acquire language—in particular, how they understand different words. We are testing different languages, such as Standard German, Czech, and Swiss German (Zurich dialect). The focus is on the role of intonation and how children use it to recognize words.

The study consists of one appointment. Your child will watch short videos with pictures and the corresponding words. During this time, we will measure your child's eye movements using an eye tracker. The device shows which images they look at and for how long. This method is completely harmless, and your child's face is not recorded – the recording is anonymous.

We also ask you as parents to fill out some questionnaires about yourselves, your child, and your family situation. You can fill these out directly at our facility.

Method: Eye tracking

Duration: 45-60 minutes
Age range: 2-4 years (+11 months)
Study management (implementation): Jana Engel (University of Tübingen)
Study implementation: Ece Bozok
Location: Psychological Institute of the University of Zurich, Zurich-Oerlikon