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The visual array task: A novel gaze‐based measure of object label and category knowledge
Author(s) -
Hauschild Kathryn M.,
PomalesRamos Anamiguel,
Strauss Mark S.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
developmental science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.801
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1467-7687
pISSN - 1363-755X
DOI - 10.1111/desc.13015
Subject(s) - psychology , gaze , comprehension , vocabulary , eye tracking , task (project management) , cognitive psychology , object (grammar) , superordinate goals , eye movement , contrast (vision) , natural language processing , computer science , artificial intelligence , linguistics , social psychology , philosophy , management , psychoanalysis , economics , programming language , neuroscience
Visual attention measures of receptive vocabulary place minimal task demand on participants and produce a more accurate measure of language comprehension than parent report measures. However, current gaze‐based measures employ visual comparisons limited to two simultaneous items. With this limitation, the degree of similarity of the target to the distractor can have a significant impact on the interpretation of task performance. The current study evaluates a novel gaze‐based paradigm that includes an eight‐item array. This visual array task (VAT) combines the theoretical frameworks of the Intermodal Preferential Looking Paradigm (IPLP) and looking‐while‐listening (LWL) methods of language comprehension measurement but using a larger array of simultaneously presented items. The use of a larger array of items and the inclusion of a superordinate category contrast may provide a more sensitive measure of receptive vocabulary as well as an understanding of the extent to which early word comprehension reflects knowledge of broader categories. Results indicated that the tested VAT was a sensitive measure of both object label and category knowledge. This paradigm provides researchers with a flexible and efficient task to measure language comprehension and category knowledge while reducing behavioral demands placed on participants.