Education & Human Development; Linguistics; Psychology

Erin Campbell

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Volunteer Basis, Potential for UROP Funding

Overview

Dr. Erin Campbell (Deaf Center, Wheelock College of Education & Human Development) is looking for undergraduate RAs to collaborate on 3 ongoing research projects:

1) American Sign Language Perceptual Associations: The word “lemon” often calls to mind its sour flavor; “fireworks” might call to mind the visual spectacle, as well as the pops and bangs. We are surveying deaf signers to document these associations for American Sign Language; this will allow us to better understand how perceptual information shapes sign learning and processing. RAs on this project will be involved in recruiting participants, data analysis, and drafting the scientific paper.

2) Language Histories of Deaf Children with Hearing Parents: How do hearing parents communicate with their deaf children? We conduct interviews with hearing parents of deaf children to construct year-by-year timelines of language exposure. We will analyze how events in the child’s life relate to changes in their language environments. RAs will assist with participant recruitment, data analysis and visualization, and writing up the results for different audiences (scientists / educators / parents).

3) Peripheral Vision and Sign Language Detection: Does sign language experience give signers better peripheral vision? How does peripheral vision develop across age? RAs on this project will help with stimulus creation, behavioral testing, and data analysis to understand how visual perception supports sign language use.

To apply, please send a resume/CV to eecamp@bu.edu and indicate which project(s) is of interest. ASL experience is an asset but not required. A commitment of 5-10 hours/week is expected, but hours can vary week-to-week to suit students’ schedules.