2022 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Corroborating the controversial Bilingual Advantage hypothesis using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) neuroimaging
| Project/Area Number |
20K20152
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| Research Institution | Kyushu University |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Project Period (FY) |
2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
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| Keywords | NIRS / Bilingual advantage / English proficiency / Verbal fluency task |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
Despite COVID-19 restrictions to research, increasing data is being amassed to test whether there is evidence for the controversial bilingual advantage hypothesis using a combination of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), a verbal fluency task, and an expressive (English) vocabulary test. I have managed to collect data from 6 participants so far, with two more scheduled for early next week. Additionally, I have standardized protocols for data collection in real-world conditions, including trouble-shooting potential problems associated with device maintenance, software issues, and participant scheduling.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
4: Progress in research has been delayed.
Reason
Due to the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, recruiting participants has been slower than expected. Although institutional COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed, potential participants (students) seem reluctant to be an enclosed space for upwards of an hour for data collection in a small office. Also, it appears that the “salary” stipulated by Kyushu University (\1000 QUO card) for 60 minutes’ work may not be enticing enough to cause busy students to volunteer. Finally, in light of my other job responsibilities – including 8 koma per week, I am only able to devote one day per week to research, and the chosen day does not always lend itself student availability. The times when I am most free (during semester breaks), most undergraduates students are not on campus.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
I will continue to collect data via student volunteers and have revised my advertisement process to entice students to participate. While slow, participant interest has picked up in light of the new semester, and already I have two participants scheduled for next week. In addition, Fall Semester of 2023 will include an alternate research day for the convenience of students. I am also examining the possibility of asking other staff members to advertise on my behalf or for me to provide a “commercial” to their students via an in-person, short PowerPoint presentation during their lessons.
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