语言相对论实验类研究方法的进展、问题及对策

Examining Experimental Methods in Linguistic Relativity Studies:Process,Problems and Prospect

本文考察了语言相对论实验类研究方法的基本逻辑、实验程序和最新进展。通过对比采用同一方法的不同实验结果,发现了影响实验结论的重要变量。在对每种方法逐一评析的基础上,文章总结了实验类方法存在的共性问题,如受试语言背景不单一、语言描述不系统、变量控制不全面、因果关系不明了。最后,文章提出了相关实验设计未来可改进的几个方面,如充分描述语言特征、开展历时研究、借用先进仪器观测认知过程。

This paper examines the basic reasoning, experimental procedures and most recent development of main experimental methods in linguistic relativity studies. By contrasting different experiments using the same method, it discovers important variables affecting experimental results. This paper further identifies common problems of those ex- perimental studies, such as subjects＇ mixed linguistic background, cursory description of language features, neglect of important variables, and unclear cause-resuh relations. The author, in the end, proposes several methods to modify future experimental designs, such as, elaboration of language characteristics, implementation of developmental studies, and direct observation of cognitive processes.