Incidental Vocabulary Learning in Emotional Contexts: An Eye-Tracking Study

• In Event: Vocabulary Learning Across Diverse Contexts and Sites: Recent Innovative Methods of Study

Abstract

Incidental vocabulary acquisition through reading is a key method for enhancing vocabulary. Despite the prevalence of texts with emotional content, the impact of text emotionality on incidental vocabulary acquisition is underexplored. We used eye-tracking to investigate the effect of text emotionality on incidental vocabulary acquisition. To develop and validate the vocabulary learning task, we conducted a norming study with 60 adults to select novel words (pseudowords) and evaluate the emotionality of experimental passages. Then we conducted a pilot study with five participants who read nine novel vocabulary items in emotionally charged passages. Eye movement metrics was recorded and were compared in different emotional conditions. We also evaluated the effectiveness of incidental learning in different emotional context by conducting vocabulary post-tests.

Authors

• Sadie Pazoki, Texas A&M University

• Steven Woltering, Texas A&M University