Marisa Bortolussi and Peter Dixon: "Chances and Challenges in the Study of Perspective Taking"

Monday, January 06, 2020, 6:30pm

This is the ninth talk of the lecture series.

This talk will take place in lecture hall H09 in C.A.R.L. (Claßenstraße 11).

Abstract:

Chances and challenges in the study of perspective taking

In this talk, we will use the problem of perspective taking in literature (and our own attempts to understand it) as a case test to discuss general issues in the conduct of empirical research on literary processing. We will consider the process of identifying empirically testable questions, the nature and value of experimentation, and the interpretation of evidence. Particular issues that arise in this context include the role of a priori conceptualization, the problem of forming general conclusions from a limited number of texts, and understanding replication and failures to replicate. We conclude that empirical and experimental investigation of literary processing has unique challenges but also important potential benefits.