We measure children's eye movements while they look at pictures, listen to sentences, or read text. This helps us understand how they understand and process language.
※ This procedure is not a test of individual ability.
We use an eye-tracking device, similar to a standard computer monitor, to determine where children are looking at a given moment. The bottom of the device emits near-infrared light, which is reflected from the child's eyes and measured by a detector. These measurements are then used to calculate the direction of the child's gaze. Near-infrared light has a wavelength close to that of visible light, and is similar to that used in TV remote controls and kotatsu. The light used in this procedure is weaker than normal sunlight, and has no harmful effects.
During the procedure, children simply look at pictures on the computer screen. In some studies, children are asked to read sentences on the screen as they would normally.
