CFP - EMCL 3: Developing an experiment: from conception to implementation

[Monica Gonzalez-Marquez]

EMCL 3: Developing an experiment: from conception to implementation

Date: October 17-18 , 2006
Place: University of Murcia (Spain)

To precede the conference of the Spanish Cognitive Linguistics 
Association
(AELCO-SCOLA) as a satellite event.

http://www.um.es/lincoing/aelco2006/


*******Application deadline extended to: July 15, 2006*******


The last few years have yielded promising experimental evidence for an
embodied view of language. The work of researchers such as Bergen,
Boroditsky, Matlock, Santiago, Majid, and Feist, among others, has 
provided
glimpses of the intricate cross-buttressing between language and other
cognitive processes. In order for the promise of these findings to come 
to
fruition, many more researchers will have to join the ranks of the 
field’s
leaders. The interdisciplinary training required to advance Experimental
Cognitive Linguistics remains, unfortunately, scarce at most 
universities. This makes the transition from one way of looking at 
language to another often overwhelming and intimidating. Most beginners 
never get started because they don't know who to ask for help, how to 
begin, what questions to ask, what to read. As such, the focus for 
‘EMCL III’ will be ‘Developing an experiment: from
conception to implementation.’ The goal will be to unite gifted 
cognitive
linguists lacking experimental training, with experienced researchers 
who
will guide them in the development and implementation of an experiment. 
The workshop will also serve to introduce new researchers to the 
community of active experimentalists, to whom they will be able to look 
to for guidance long after the workshop is over.


Intended Audience:

This workshop is aimed specifically at scholars with sound theoretical
knowledge in their field though lacking in experimental training.
Participants are not expected to have any background at all in
experimentation. Candidate should at least have completed initial 
university training ( a B.A. in the US, be working on their Masters 
degree if training in Europe) in theoretical linguistics, or a similar 
program and be familiar with cognitive linguistics (this familiarity 
need not have occurred in a formal university setting. Graduate 
students (post-grads, pre-doctoral, etc.), as well as post-doctoral 
researchers and junior faculty are also invited to apply. The only real
prerequisite is a background in cognitive linguistics, and no 
experimental experience.

Please note: Unlike at previous EMCL workshops, attendance to this 
session
will be strictly limited to the invited participants. No exceptions will
be made so as to preserve the pedagogical integrity of the workshop.

Format:

A selected group of students (max.20) will be invited to participate.
Students will be divided into four groups; each group will work with a
researcher who will guide the group in selecting an idea, structuring 
and
organizing an experiment, and carrying it out. The session will end with
the presentation of findings and a general discussion.


Topics to be covered include:

-	Deciding on a research topic
-	Transforming the research topic into a research question
-	Developing experimental hypotheses and designing an experiment
-	Data collection
-	Statistical analysis and interpretation
-	Presentation of findings to an audience



Cost: 120 Euros

(Some student grants may be possible. Details will be announced 
shortly.)

Accommodation: (to be announced)

Application:

To apply, please send the following by July 15, 2006. All materials 
must be
submitted electronically to Monica Gonzalez-Marquez at
mg246 at cornell.edu. Accepted applicants will be notified by August 1, 
2006.


1. A maximum of two (2) pages, (1000 words), describing
- your background,
- your reasons for wanting to participate,
- the researcher you would like to work with and why
- a description of at least one research question you want to
explore. This is not expected to be a detailed research plan. All you 
need to do is tell us about what you would like to work on so that the 
researcher you will work with can be better prepared. For example, if 
you are interested in aspect in Euskera, describe what you find 
interesting along with the questions you would like to address.

2. A copy of your curriculum vitae.

3. One letter of recommendation from someone who knows your work,
preferably your advisor. This person does not need to be someone who 
studies cognitive linguistics, but simply someone who can evaluate your 
potential. Have this person submit the letter directly to 
mg246 at cornell.edu


Faculty:

Benjamin Bergen (University of Manoa at Hawai)
Asifa Majid (Max Planck Institute, Nijmegen, Holland)
Julio Santiago (University of Barcelona)
Michelle Feist (University of Louisiana at Lafayette)

Faculty interests can be found at:

http://www.um.es/lincoing/aelco2006/


Organizing committee:

Monica Gonzalez-Marquez, Cornell University
Javier Valenzuela, University of Murcia

_________________________________________

So that the form takes as many risks as the content --
  					         "Ava" by Carole Maso

Mónica González-Márquez
Psychology Department
Cornell University
B96b Uris Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853

mg246 at cornell.edu (607) 255-6397