The role of positive affect in the acquisition of word-object associations

Nicole M. Traynor, Karen E. Mulak, Rachel Robbins, Gabrielle Weidemann, Paola Escudero

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paperpeer-review

Abstract

Learning to associate words to their meaning is a difficult task. Early word learning may be aided by the way in which adults talk to infants. Infants prefer infant-directed speech (IDS) over adult-directed speech (ADS), and evidence suggests the positive affect inherent to IDS drives this preference. Infants can form word-object associations in IDS, but we do not know what role affect plays on word learning. We tested 19-month-olds' learning of word-object pairings when words were taught in a positive or neutral affect in ADS. No evidence of word learning was found. Results and future research implications are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the Sixteenth Australasian International Conference on Speech Science and Technology, 6-9 December 2016, Parramatta, Australia
PublisherAustralian Speech Science & Technology Association
Pages9-12
Number of pages4
Publication statusPublished - 2016
EventAustralasian International Conference on Speech Science and Technology -
Duration: 6 Dec 2016 → …

Publication series

Name
ISSN (Print)2207-1296

Conference

ConferenceAustralasian International Conference on Speech Science and Technology
Period6/12/16 → …

Keywords

  • infants
  • word recognition
  • eye tracking
  • affect (psychology)

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