Eye-Tracking for Word Learning in Deaf Children
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines how deaf children learn words using visual cues, focusing on the concept of mutual exclusivity. It seeks to determine whether deaf children who use American Sign Language (ASL) assume that each object has one sign or both a sign and a spoken word. The study observes how children respond to various visual cues paired with objects. Ideal candidates for this trial are children aged 18-60 months who were born severely to profoundly deaf, use ASL to communicate, and have normal or corrected vision. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to enhance understanding of language development in deaf children.
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that this method is safe for children?
Research has shown that using cues, such as visual and referential cues, is generally safe for children, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. These cues aid in word learning by providing various signals. Although specific studies on the direct safety of these cues are lacking, no evidence suggests they cause harm. Instead, studies emphasize the importance of exposing deaf children to rich, varied language, including signs, visual information, and other inputs to support language learning. Thus, using these cues is considered safe and beneficial for children learning words.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a new way to support word learning in deaf children using eye-tracking and referential cues. Traditionally, interventions for deaf children focus on sign language or auditory training. However, this method leverages visual cues by combining gaze direction and novel labels, which could enhance the association between words and objects. This approach may offer a more intuitive learning process for children who primarily rely on visual information, potentially speeding up their language acquisition in a way that other methods do not.
What evidence suggests that this trial's methods could be effective for word learning in deaf children?
This trial will explore the use of visual cues to aid word learning in deaf children. Research has shown that visual cues can help deaf children learn new words. Studies have found that directly teaching words, such as pointing to and naming objects, is more effective than learning by chance for deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Visual cues are crucial because deaf children rely on visual information differently than hearing children when recognizing words. Early results suggest that methods like Cued Speech, which combines speech with hand signals, improve speech understanding in children with cochlear implants. This underscores the importance of clear visual input. Overall, these strategies enhance word learning for deaf children.24678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Amy Lieberman, PhD
Principal Investigator
Boston University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for deaf children aged 18-60 months who were born with severe to profound hearing loss. It's suitable for those who use American Sign Language (ASL) and have normal or corrected-to-normal vision, regardless of whether their parents are deaf or hearing.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Experimental Procedure
Participants engage in structured word learning tasks involving object selection based on referential cues and mutual exclusivity
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for any additional insights or data collection post-experiment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- input cue
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Boston University Charles River Campus
Lead Sponsor