How toddlers learn and remember words
Official title: Neural Substrates of Word Retention and Generalization in Toddlers
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10903632 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how toddlers aged 2 to 3 years learn and remember new words, using special brain scans to see how their brains help them keep those words in mind, which could help us understand why some kids pick up vocabulary faster than others.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $542,304 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD112686-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903632 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are toddlers aged 25 to 35 months, particularly those who may be at risk for language delays or have developmental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 25 to 35 months or those with severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how toddlers aged 2 to 3 years learn and retain new words over time. By using advanced functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) techniques, the study aims to understand the brain processes involved in vocabulary retention and generalization. It focuses on the role of the hippocampus and other brain regions in helping children remember words and their meanings, especially through repeated exposure in their environment. The findings could provide insights into individual differences in vocabulary development among young children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing vocabulary development in toddlers, potentially benefiting their academic achievement.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully utilized fMRI to study language development in older children, but this specific focus on toddlers is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghetti, Simona — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Ghetti, Simona
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.