This course will focus on the structure of lexical items, the way in which these different lexical items are stored and the nature of the relation between them. Relevant theoretical work in the fields of psycholinguistics and language processing is outlined and discussed, and students will evaluate the efficacy of these theories based on experimental investigations that they themselves will construct and conduct, for example word association experiments, lexicon decision tasks and parsing phenomena.
Total Contact Hours: 20
Private Study Hours: 130
Total Study Hours: 150
Main assessment methods
• Proposal (800 words) – 30%
• Report (2,500 words) – 70%
Reassessment methods
• Reassessment Instrument: 100% Coursework
Indicative Reading List
Aitchison, J. (2012). Words in the Mind: An Introduction to the Mental Lexicon. Oxford, Basil Blackwell Ltd.
Field, J, (2005). Language and the Mind. London: Routledge
Field, J. (2005). Psycholinguistics: A Resource Book for Students. London: Routledge
Harley, T.A. (2013). The Psychology of Language: From Data to Theory. Hove: Psychology Press
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of key psycholinguistic concepts;
2 Show systematic understanding of the structure of the lexicon in terms of phonological and morphological components;
3 An ability to distinguish rigorously between comprehension and production in linguistic processing;
4 Demonstrate competent practical linguistic research skills by undertaking independent research experiments, and analysing and discussing their findings according to
scientific protocol.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Communicate the results of study and work accurately, with well-structured and coherent arguments in an effective and fluent manner in writing;
2 Develop their ability to work cooperatively with others, exercising personal responsibility and sensitivity;
3 Apply the advanced methods of psycholinguistic analysis learned from the module in other relevant contexts.
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