Tracking contextual histories: how long-term and recent lexical experience shapes our processing of words

My research aims to investigate the lexical properties important to word processing and reading development. In particular, I am focusing on semantic properties of words (such as contextual variation, ambiguity and concreteness) and the effect that these properties have on lexical processing. I am to use multiple techniques to assess the effects of semantic variables at both item-level and behavioural-level. Broadly, my research will contribute to our understanding of reading development. Findings will help to structure teaching methods and may facilitate interventions for at-risk groups.