Читать книгу Introduction to Experimental Linguistics - Sandrine Zufferey - Страница 24

In this chapter, we first saw that the scientific process is based on the observation of concrete phenomena, whose systematicity enhances the development of explanatory theories. On the basis of these theories, it is possible to develop specific predictions which will then be tested, in order to refine or revise the existing theories. We then presented the difference between qualitative and quantitative approaches, in terms of the types of reasoning and possibilities of generalization. We also saw that quantitative research can adopt different types depending on the manner of observing the variables, as well as the control procedures carried out on them.

We then presented the characteristics of experimental research. Such research is based on a research question, making it possible to formulate clear hypotheses as to the relationship between two or more operationalized variables. In order to test these hypotheses, it is necessary to manipulate the variables involved in an experimental study, while controlling the other variables which may influence the results. In parallel, it is essential to test naive individuals, using numerous items, and to distribute the participants randomly under the different conditions. Finally, the data collected in an experimental study is mostly quantitative in nature, so that it can be synthesized and analyzed by means of statistical tests.

Studies carried out in experimental linguistics can examine linguistic production or comprehension. For the study of the latter, we have seen that there is a first differentiation between explicit and implicit measures, depending on the tasks. A second differentiation lies in the processes examined: while offline tasks focus on the results of comprehension, online tasks look into the comprehension processes.

Finally, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the experimental approach in linguistics, before suggesting useful resources for becoming familiar with this type of research.