Language Acquisition Lab Vocabulary

Grit

The persistence and effort required to refine a scientific experiment through specific, observable changes.

Grace

The ability to accept suggestions and feedback from others during the experimental design process.

Iteration

The process of making observable changes to a design based on feedback or self-correction to improve accuracy.

Iteration Log

A document used to record pivots, refinements, and the impact of design changes on data validity.

The Curiosity Builder

A digital tool (GEM) used to assist in defining a testable prediction for a project.

Independent Variable (IV)

The specific factor in an experiment that is changed or manipulated by the researcher.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The factor in an experiment that is measured to determine the results of the change.

Neural Noise

Potential bias or interference in participant data caused by factors like fatigue, environment, or age of language acquisition.

Human Variability

Individual differences among participants, such as native language or age, that must be controlled to ensure valid results.

Nuisance Variables

External factors, such as environment or age, that can interfere with an experiment if not properly accounted for.

Data Validity

The assurance that experimental results accurately reflect language processing rather than external factors like vision or environment.

Neurological Hypothesis

A testable prediction that connects a specific language behavior to a clear neural process or brain region.

Broca's Area

A specific region of the brain associated with language behavior and production.

Arcuate Fasciculus

A specific neural pathway in the brain involved in language processing.

Left Inferior Frontal Gyrus

A brain region where increased cognitive load—such as naming colors in a second language—can slow reaction times.

Cognitive Load

The amount of mental effort being used in the brain, which can impact reaction time during language tasks.

Quantitative Reasoning

The act of organizing observations into usable statistical data to identify patterns.

Mean

A statistical calculation used to find the average of a data set to determine if results support a hypothesis.

Standard Deviation

A statistical measurement used to identify patterns and the spread of data in relation to the mean.