Chapter 52 Experimental methods in co-speech gesture research

Abstract

This chapter provides an introductory overview of some of the basic experimental paradigms traditionally employed in the field of gesture studies to investigate both comprehension and production in adult and child populations. With respect to gesture production, the chapter taps into paradigms used for exploring both intra-psychological and inter-psychological functions of co-speech gestures. At the same time, the present chapter aims to shed light on some of the core questions researchers have been addressing in using the described paradigms, concluding with a reflection on some of the methodological shortcomings and limitations of the respective paradigms and methods used.