Understanding how children and adults learn to organize words and comprehend language.

Semantic Development

NIH-funded research Ohio State University · NIH-10760971

This study is looking at how kids aged 4 to 9 and adults learn to connect words in their minds and how this helps them understand language better, by giving them practice with new words and sentences.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10760971 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how semantic organization, or the way words are connected in our minds, develops in children and adults. It aims to understand how exposure to language and the ability to recognize patterns in language input influence this organization. The study will involve training sessions for children aged 4 to 9 and adults, where they will be exposed to sentences with new words, and their comprehension will be tested. Additionally, it will track the development of semantic organization over time in young children to see how it impacts their language skills.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include children aged 4 to 9 and adults who are interested in language development.

Not a fit: Patients who are not within the age range of 4 to 9 years or who do not have an interest in language comprehension may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of language development, potentially leading to better educational strategies for children with language comprehension difficulties.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding language development through similar approaches, indicating that this study builds on established findings.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.