The Cognition of Adult Language Acquisition Lab (CoALA) conducts research with the goal of understanding what helps learners of another language succeed. The lab uses experimental methods such as brain event-related potentials (ERPs), eye-tracking and behavioral performance measures. Current projects address questions such as: What type of input and training helps speakers acquire the vocabulary of a second language? How do individual learners’ cognitive differences influence the type of input that is beneficial? What cognitive processes underlie successful language acquisition in adults? The lab welcomes highly responsible, motivated and reliable students of different backgrounds. *At this time, the lab is particularly interested in receiving applications from students majoring/minoring in Spanish, Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Psychology, CSD or other language-related fields.*
Students in my lab participate in multiple aspects of research, e.g., stimulus design; participant testing using behavioral methods, EEG and/or eye-tracking; data processing, etc. During a first semester in the lab RAs become familiar with research topics and empirical methods, and gain experience with one or more methods as part of an ongoing project; preference will be given to students who are interested in completing at least an additional semester. Tasks include collecting participant data using different methods, and manipulating data in various ways (storing, coding data, etc.). Students can either volunteer (3 hours per week) or work for credit. Based on the number of target credits, students work between 3 and 9 hours per week.
No experience/previous coursework is necessary as you will be trained in all techniques, but a genuine interest in language, language learning and related cognitive processes is required. All majors are welcome in the lab -- I have mentored students in Spanish, Data Sciences, Biology, or Pre-Med, among others. Knowledge of Spanish is a plus. Students must be highly responsible, reliable, motivated to learn and engage with research topics, and committed to conducting high quality work. Other skills include good attention to detail and the ability to follow directions carefully (protocols for participant testing) are also essential.
Please contact Dr. Pulido to express your interest for additional information (mpulido@psu.edu). When contacting me, please send a brief description of your motivation/interest, your expected level of availability and attach a one-page CV/resumé.