Controversy Investigation

Scientists don’t fully understand how language works in the brain, and there are many areas of controversy and debate. Throughout the semester, in groups of 2 or 3, you will:

  • choose an area of controversy to investigate;
  • learn about the controversy from secondary sources;
  • study the evidence yourself by reading primary sources;
  • think of a follow-up study that would move the debate forward; and
  • present your findings and ideas to the class.

Image credit: MyCuteGraphics

Controversies to study

Here are four major controversies in the field of language neuroscience right now. You may study any of these controversies, or an additional controversy approved by me (HRG). If you would like to study a controversy other than the ones listed below, please email me ASAP. I will need to confirm that (i) it’s a real controversy (as opposed to an issue on which the science is not controversial, even if public opinion hasn’t caught up) and (ii) there exists enough relevant and accessible literature to allow you to do the project.

  • What is the function of Broca’s area?
  • Does multilingualism protect the brain?
  • Are large language models anything like humans?
  • What is the status of infants’ language networks?

Sources

You will identify two secondary sources relevant to your topic. At least one of these sources must be published in a peer-reviewed journal (e.g., review article, opinion piece). The other does not have to be peer review, but must be approved by me (HRG) (e.g., an episode of The Language Neuroscience Podcast).

Based on your secondary sources, you will identify the most important evidence on this topic, and the primary sources that report this evidence. You will then read the primary sources in order to evaluate the evidence for yourselves. All group members should read the paper independently and use Hypothes.is to annotate the paper and ask questions. If you still have questions after meeting in-person to try to figure it out, you may set up an appointment with me (ideally, all group members are present for this). Together, you will fill out a summary sheet to submit to me.

All references must be formatted in APA style.

Format

I’m open to a variety of formats for your final deliverable. Some examples: a traditional slide-based presentation, a short-form video for TikTok or Youtube, a longer educational video, a podcast episode, or a mock (scripted) debate among scientists.

Use of AI

In your small groups, you will come up with your own policy on AI use for your class project. I am open to a range of AI use policies, including no AI use at all, with two constraints:

  1. You are not allowed to use AI in ways that might jeopardize your progress towards the course’s learning goals. (I will be the ultimate judge of this.)
  2. You are not allowed to use AI to manipulate or create images of real people, even yourself.

Early in the semester, you will submit to me (a) a written statement of your group’s AI policy, including any specific tools you intend to use, and (b) a brief explanation, written by you (the humans), for why you decided on this policy. I will review your policy and either approve it or ask you to revise it.

You may amend your group’s AI policy throughout the semester, if your group members unanimously agree to do so. You must amend your policy and get my approval of the revised policy before using AI in a new way.

If your small group decides to allow any AI use:

  • You must include an AI use statement with every single submission, detailing exactly how AI was used.
  • You must keep records of all of your AI use, including prompts and AI output. I reserve the right to request to see these if there is a question about whether your use of AI is consistent with your group’s policy and/or is jeopardizing your progress towards the course’s learning goals.
  • At the end of the semester, you must submit individual reflections (not generated by AI) on whether/how you think your group’s use of AI contributed to your learning in this class.

Project timeline

You’ll have something due for your project most Fridays. Wherever possible, I have avoided major deadlines around the same time as exams. See the schedule for tentative deadlines.

Topic

Sign up to study a particular controversy. Max 4 students per group. Multiple groups may study the same controversy.

AI policy

Submit your written AI policy for my approval.

Secondary sources

Study two secondary sources related to your topic. Submit a document that includes the references (in APA style) and some informal notes (further instructions will be provided). Please also submit PDFs/links for the sources.

Primary sources

Submit a list of 5-10 primary sources along with PDFs. Include a sentence about each source explaining its importance/relevance. You will choose four of these to review closely.

Paper summaries

Submit a filled-out summary sheet for each of your four primary sources.

Format

Get HRG’s approval of the format of your final deliverable.

Presentations

Present your final deliverable in class!