I am still not clear on precisely what the content of my investigation will be, however I have made progress on deciding how I should go about collecting some data. After doing a task which depicted roughly 20 different liquid holding containers, and asked you to name them all, I was sufficiently interested enough in the idea to try and copy it. The things I am now considering is exactly what I am going to be testing for, using this method.
First I will have to design the task, so the first step is to think of a hyponym, then think of a lot of hypernyms that fit into it. Then I have to draw each of those things as accurately as possible. I have considered what that hyponym could be, and thought of a few things, such as fruits, that are quite recognizable but also come in many different varieties. Then I simply have to make a table in which the volunteer can label each of the fruits, and there I have my data, from which I could draw conclusions.
One thing I have thought of testing was the differences between those who were from Bristol and those who were from Bath, and see if any relevant conclusions come up, or indeed, if there are very few differences, that could be relevant too.
Ooh that sounds interesting. One consideration, if I may? The versatility of the liquid receptacles task is that they are man-made out of a variety of materials and used for a variety of purposes while, as you said, coming under one hypernym. The drawings are ambiguous enough to provide multiple interpretations too. Can you think of something else that would offer those undertaking the task more options to approximate and demonstrate pragmatic awareness? Otherwise you might get right and wrong answers, rather than interpretations.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Halla. You will have to consider selecting objects that are ambiguous if you are analysing the language used to describe them and as you say, you need to consider carefully who and what you are testing. Adult responses? Children's responses? Glad you enjoyed the initial task!
ReplyDeleteOne more thing - I need to see your responses about the menu and Sophie! Thanks!
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