Data Collection Trip to Gallaudet University!

Last week our doctoral students traveled to Washington, D.C. for 4 days to collect data at Gallaudet University! Elana Pontecorvo (EdM), Paris Gappmayr (BA), and Michael Higgins (MA) ran their three eye-tracking studies they designed in the Spring. The three studies were focused on how people perceive and process ASL. Over the course of those 4 days Elana, Paris, and Mike recruited and ran 30 adult participants for the 3 of their studies. 

An eye-tracking study is where participants do a simple task on the computer while the machine records where their eyes are looking on the screen. For example, if the participant is matching signs to pictures, the technology will track where and for how long their eyes are looking at those pictures and signs. 

The team worked closely with Marjorie Bates, a PhD student at Gallaudet! Left to right: Michael Higgins, Marmorie Bates, Elana Pontecorvo, and Paris Gappmayr.
Elana and Paris hard at work!

During their time in Washington, D.C. Elana, Paris, and Mike also presented to Deanna Gagne’s class about their studies and gave a demonstration of the eye-tracker technology. Outside of their study, the team also attended a Gallaudet women’s soccer game, reconnected with other PhD students in the field, and made a visit to the signing Starbucks store! 

Upon returning from a week of data collection, the team has debriefed on updates, challenges, and next steps. We will now be working towards analyzing the data collected and preparing for upcoming presentations!