Interplay between language, culture, and thought

Term: 
2023-2024 Summer
Faculty Department of Project Supervisor: 
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
Number of Students: 
2

How does language interact with the way we think? The research question intrigued scholars in different fields for a long time, but the debate has not settled yet! 

In this project, we will conduct multiple experimental studies to empirically explore the relation between language and non-linguistic cognition such as attention and memory. We plan to collect data from different language backgrounds (e.g., Turkish, English, Japanese), and age groups (e.g., young adults, elderly adults, and children), though the specifics of population will be dertemined later. Students will be closely working with the supervisor and graduate students and be responsible for various aspects of research such as theoretical and methodological discussions, conducting experiments, and coding data. In addition to demonstrating their knowledge on research methods into practice, students will take a leading and active role in recruiting and communicating with participants. 

Students must be able to work for the duration of the PURE Project (or beyond) though they make take turns to have their time off. 

How do I apply?:

If you are interested in this project, in addition to applying through the PURE system (due at 16:00 on April 22, 2024), please fill out our application by 23:59 on April 15 23:59 on April 19, 2024 (Our deadline is one week three days earlier than the official PURE deadline!) from here

Note: Deadline has been extended due to many requests. If you have already submitted the application (thank you!), no need to do anything, but you can re-submit it if you really wish (just because everyone should be granted the same amount of time to complete it). 

Required qualifications: 

  • interest in psychology, linguistics, cultural studies, and cognitive science
  • intellectual curiosity and the ability to learn new skills and knowledge independently
  • open to new experiences and able to adapt to new and/or changing circumstances
  • highly comfortable in social interactions and will take an active role in participant recruitment and communication
  • team player who is not afraid to ask for help, can take feedback, and is eager to help others
  • moderate to advanced communication skills in English

Desirable but not required qualifications:

  • able to stay and work on campus for the duration of the PURE Project (but online option *may* become available too)
  • research experience in online and in-person psychological experiments
  • experience in digital designs and social media management
  • programming skills in Python and/or other languages

Feel free to contact us at mltlab.fass@sabanciuniv.edu if you have questions. We look forward to seeing your applications!

Related Areas of Project: 
Cultural Studies
Psychology