English Reading Comprehension for Non-native English Speakers, EEG Study – Native Chinese Speakers Needed!

STUDY BASICS

Are you a right-handed college student who is 18-30 years old? Are you also a native Chinese speaker who speaks English as a second language? You may be able to participate in a study to understand how first language backgrounds influence learning a second language. Participation involves reading pairs of sentences as brain activity is measured and completing computer tasks. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to understand how the first language backgrounds of learners influence learning a second language. The goal is to improve instruction for second language teaching and learning.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Ages 18-30
• Native Chinese speakers who speak English as a second language
• College students in Pittsburgh
• Right-handed
• Normal or corrected-to-normal vision
• No history of reading disabilities, epilepsy, or head injuries
• Clean, dry hair that is free from extensions, braids, and hair products

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation involves one in-person visit to the Murdoch Building in Oakland that will last 3 hours. During this visit, you will be reading pairs of sentences as the study team measures brain activity (using electroencephalography or EEG), safely and painlessly, through a soft-sponged net placed on the head. Concurrently with the EEG recording, you will also be having your eye-movements tracked via an eye-tracking system.  Additional computer tasks will be completed after the EEG portion.