Sequential Bayes Factor designs in developmental research: Studies on early word learning

Developmental research, like many fields, is plagued by low sample sizes and inconclusive findings. The problem amplified the difficulties associated with recruiting infant participants for research as well increased variability in responses. With sequential testing designs providing a viable alternative to paradigms facing such issues, current study implemented Sequential Bayes Factor (SBF) design on three findings developmental literature. In particular, using framework described Schönbrödt colleagues (2017), we examined infants’ sensitivity mispronunciations of familiar words, their learning novel word-object associations from cross-situational paradigms, assumption mutual exclusivity assigning labels objects. We tested an initial 20 each study, incrementally increasing size one computing additional participant. were able obtain moderate evidence alternate hypotheses despite less than half number original study. did not replicate Indeed, data five times more likely under null hypothesis, allowing us conclude that infants recognize trained presented task. discuss these light advantages disadvantages SBF while also researchers account how this across multiple studies.