What have we learned from 15  years of research on cross-situational word learning? A focused review

Abstract

In 2007 and 2008, Yu and Smith published their seminal studies on cross-situational word learning (CSWL) in adults and infants, showing that word-object-mappings can be acquired from distributed statistics despite in-the-moment uncertainty. Since then, the CSWL paradigm has been used extensively to better understand (statistical) word learning in different language learners and under different learning conditions. The goal of this review is to provide an entry-level overview of findings and themes that have emerged in 15 years of research on CSWL across three topic areas (mechanisms of CSWL, CSWL across different learner and task characteristics) and to highlight the questions that remain to be answered.

Probing the role of multilingualism and working memory in cross-situational word learning.

“…To date, CSWL has been demonstrated as a robust group-level capacity in experimental settings in adults, children, and infants (e.g., Benitez et al, 2020; L. B. Smith & Yu, 2008, 2013; Suanda et al, 2014; Trueswell et al, 2013; Vlach & DeBrock, 2017, 2019; Vlach & Johnson, 2013; Vouloumanos & Werker, 2009; Yu & Smith, 2007, 2011; Zettersten et al, 2018; see meta-analysis, Isbilen & Christiansen, 2022, or focused review, Roembke et al, 2023).…”

“…Recent research on statistical learning suggests that the measurement of individual differences can be improved by assessing learners' knowledge of statistical patterns through multiple tests and of varying levels of difficulty (Siegelman et al, 2017). Future research examining individual predictors of CSWL would benefit from taking these recommendations to optimize the measurement of individual differences in CSWL (e.g., Roembke et al, 2023).…”

“…Future research examining predictors of CSWL would benefit from taking these recommendations to optimize the measurement of individual differences in CSWL (e.g. Roembke et al, 2023).…”

Probing the role of multilingualism and working memory in cross-situational word learning

“…To date, CSWL has been demonstrated as a robust group-level capacity in experimental settings in adults, children, and infants (e.g. Benitez et al, 2020;Smith & Yu, 2008, 2013Suanda et al, 2014;, 2011Vlach & DeBrock, 2017, 2019Vouloumanos & Werker, 2009;Trueswell et al, 2013;Zettersten et al, 2018; see meta-analysis, Isbilen & Christiansen, 2022, or focused review, Roembke et al, 2023).…”