32034 - Laboratory (2) (2nd cycle) (G.D)

Learning outcomes

The content of the course varies from year to year, but it is designed to provide students with professional-level skills across the various areas of study covered by the degree program.

Course contents

The course aims to explore some of the most current and debated topics in experimental research on language, with particular attention to the theoretical and methodological challenges that shape contemporary cognitive psychology.

Starting with an introductory theoretical framework, the professor will present a key theme—selected for its relevance within the current scientific landscape—that will guide the entire lab-based course.

The laboratory will have a strong applied and participatory orientation. Several lessons will be dedicated to the critical analysis of scientific articles: students will present a paper and engage in a collective discussion with the class, moderated by the professor, to highlight the strengths, limitations, and implications of the research under review. Thus, the course has a dual objective: on the one hand, to delve into an emerging topic in the international scientific debate; on the other, to develop tools to read, interpret, and critically assess research in cognitive psychology as it pertains to language.

Attendance in the Psycholinguistics 1 course is not required, although students who have taken it will be able to build on their existing knowledge. Active participation is strongly encouraged, both for the collaborative construction of knowledge and for the preparation of the final exam.

The Laboratory (6 cfu) will take place during the IV period, for a total of 30 teaching hours.

Readings/Bibliography

List of articles selected by the course participants in relation to the topics covered.

All articles will be available online through the University of Bologna library portal.
To download them remotely from a personal computer when not connected to the UniBo Wi-Fi network, it is necessary to access them via the UniBo proxy service:
http://www.biblioteche.unibo.it/portale/strumenti/proxy

In case of difficulty accessing the articles, students are encouraged to contact the professor.
The professor is also available to provide additional materials for in-depth exploration of specific topics related to the course.

Teaching methods

The laboratory is structured in two complementary phases:


In the first phase, there will be lectures given by the professor, supported by PowerPoint presentations, introducing the main theoretical and methodological issues in cognitive psychology as applied to language research. These lectures will provide the critical tools necessary to analyze scientific research on language in a conscious and in-depth manner.


In the second phase, the sessions will be dedicated to the presentation of scientific articles by the students, followed by a collective discussion moderated by the instructor. The presentations will focus on recent studies related to the course topic, with the aim of fostering discussion and critical reflection.


Through this structure, the laboratory offers a gradual and participatory learning path, guiding students from theoretical understanding to the practical application of critical analysis in research.


All materials presented during the lessons (PDFs of PowerPoint slides, videos, links, etc.) will be made available through the Virtuale platform.



To deepen their understanding of the experimental paradigms and theoretical topics covered, students will also have the opportunity to participate in experimental studies on language, including online research. Further information will be provided during class.

Assessment methods

Presentation delivered during the course on the participant’s selected reference article, supplemented by the study of two additional articles chosen from the list identified by the course participants.

The presentation will be assessed with the aim of verifying::

1. the student's mastery of the acquired content
2. the level of critical and conceptual understanding and elaboration of the topics covered
3. the ability to navigate among the main theoretical approache

Students with disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders have the right to special adjustments according to their condition, following an assessment by the Service for Students with Disabilities and SLD. Please do not contact the instructor but get in touch with the Service directly to schedule an appointment. It will be the responsibility of the Service to determine the appropriate adjustments. For more information, visit the page: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students .

It is recommended that students contact the University office in advance. Any proposed adjustments must be submitted at least 15 days in advance for the instructor’s approval, who will evaluate their appropriateness in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

To deepen understanding of the experimental paradigms and theoretical topics covered in the course, students will have the opportunity to take part in experimental research studies on language processing (including online participation). Further information will be provided during the lectures.

Office hours

See the website of Luisa Lugli