UROP Project
The role of skill and cognitive differences in pronunciation development
second language acquisition; language development; individual differences; phonetics; phonology
Research Mentor: Matthew Patience,
Department, College, Affiliation: Modern Languages and Linguistics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: mpatience@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: Modern Languages and Linguistics, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: mpatience@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: This is open to all majors. Spanish, Linguistics, and Education majors are preferred, but definitely not required.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: This is open to all majors. Spanish, Linguistics, and Education majors are preferred, but definitely not required.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 8-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
- Day: Wednesday, September 3
Start Time: 2:00
End Time: 2:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/5634041279 - Day: Friday, September 5
Start Time: 12:00
End Time: 12:30
Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/5634041279
Project Description
The goal of this project is to track how the pronunciation of the students in our Spanish courses develops over the course of their studies, and what factors play a role in their development. We will examine whether their speech motor skill and perceptual acuity, as well as working memory and inhibitory control play important roles.Research Tasks: Data collection (by testing participants in the lab); data analysis; potentially some academic writing; potentialy some research
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required:
- good people skills (you will be testing participants in the lab, and working in a larger team)
- good organization skills
- good comminication skills (for communicating with participants, other RAs, and the project leader)
Recommended but not necessary:
- some experience with Spanish
- any knowledge of linguistics
- basic knowledge of sound recording
Mentoring Philosophy
My mentoring approach is grounded in mutual respect, intentional support, and a commitment to the growth of each mentee. I begin by identifying individual goals, recognizing that every mentee brings unique aspirations, strengths, and challenges. This understanding allows me to tailor guidance that is both meaningful and professionally relevant.I aim to create an inquiry-driven learning environment where questions are valued as much as answers. I believe that intellectual curiosity, when paired with thoughtful challenge, promotes growth. I encourage mentees to take ownership of their work, cultivating accountability and confidence in their abilities.
Regular meetings serve as touchpoints for reflection, feedback, and problem-solving. These conversations are opportunities to celebrate progress, address obstacles, and refine goals. I see mentoring as a dynamic, evolving relationship – one in which both mentor and mentee are engaged in ongoing learning.
Ultimately, my role as a mentor is to empower mentees to develop skills and confidence that will help them be successful in their chosen fields.
Additional Information
You will be using English when testing participants, so no Spanish is necessary.Also, most of the data analysis is on English speech.
If you speak Spanish, or are interested in analyzing some Spanish speech, that will also be an option.