@APinchofSaLTs @amypicknellslt @EmiliaSpeechTx I think you'll LOVE this paper Sperry, D. E., Sperry, L. L., & Miller, P. J. (2019). Reexamining the verbal environments of children from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Child development, 90(4), 1303-1318
Reexamining the Verbal Environments of Children From Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds.
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May 2018 – Aug 2025Where it's discussed
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AI synopsis
What people are saying
The group discusses the recent research by Sperry et al., highlighting that there is wide variation within socioeconomic groups and no conclusive word gap, which contrasts with the earlier 30 million words claim validated by older studies. Phrases like 'reexamining' and mentions of 'critique' and 'replication' reflect curiosity and a desire to understand the research deeper, indicating moderate interest and engagement. The tone is analytical and somewhat skeptical of previous claims, underscoring the potential for this research to influence future conversations and policies around childhood language environments.
Most discussions recognize that recent research questions the original 30 million word gap, indicating moderate agreement.
People show curiosity about the nuances of language exposure and the validity of past studies, reflected in their engagement with multiple sources.
Discussions include referencing specific studies, critique of old assumptions, and debates over methodology, demonstrating active engagement.
The debates about reexamining established ideas suggest a significant potential impact on policies and future research directions.
Abstract in brief
- The study challenges the widely cited claim that poor children hear 30 million fewer words than middle-class children in early childhood, by analyzing language exposure in five American communities across socioeconomic groups.
- Using ethnographic fieldwork and longitudinal home observations of 42 children aged 18-48 months, the findings show significant variation within each socioeconomic group and do not support the idea of a stark word gap.
- The results suggest that previous definitions of verbal environments that overlook conversations involving multiple caregivers and bystanders may underestimate the actual number of words low-income children hear, indicating the need for a broader view of children's language experiences.
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Most liked on X and Bluesky@DamsonEd @ian_cushing This is a good one too: Sperry, D. E., Sperry, L. L., & Miller, P. J. (2019). Reexamining the verbal environments of children from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Child development, 90(4), 1303-1318.
@DiLeed @cbokhove @Sue_Cowley Also this https://t.co/f2vaBs6cCA
The #WordGap study (Hart and Risley, 1995) that says that poor kids hear 30 million less words and do worse because of it that Biden is citing to encourage y’all to play record players for your kids at night is shit science, fyi https://t.co/BCpImneGVP https://t.co/TlVBLVTTRP
@supervidoqo @ninaturner So these researchers are wrong?https://t.co/6w5i1jMBFT
@MichaelKaissis @Scott_teach @msrebeccabirch @cignae Sure: I've just had a look and there are several papers. First this one: Reexamining the Verbal Environments of Children From Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds https://t.co/bLuhCRbhnc
All mentions
Understanding the 30-Million Word Gap and Its Impact on Child Language Development
This episode discusses the significance of the 30-million-word gap, emphasizing the importance of high-quality speech exposure for children's language development and academic success, based on the book Meaningful…
Understanding the Impact of Language Exposure on Child Development
This episode explores the significance of early language exposure, emphasizing that high-quality speech is crucial for children's language development, especially in lower-income families. It discusses the importance of…
@PeterDMayr @varisco89 @cdenisegayle @LASimmonsTX146 Key critiques of Hart & Risley's 30M word gap: - Sperry et al. (2019), "Reexamining the Verbal Environments of Children From Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds" (Child Development): Found wide variation; no consistent SES-based gap, with some low-income kids hearing more words.
@MichaelKaissis @Scott_teach @msrebeccabirch @cignae Sure: I've just had a look and there are several papers. First this one: Reexamining the Verbal Environments of Children From Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds https://t.co/bLuhCRbhnc
6. source: https://t.co/6Nq8HZlYTk
Sperry, D., Sperry, L., & Miller P. (2018). Reexamining the Verbal Environments of Children from Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds. Child Development 90(4), 1303-1318. https://t.co/TEdf8WlahE.
@WFarahslt https://t.co/hbU3C5w42U
RT @SSpencerSALT: @DamsonEd @ian_cushing This is a good one too: Sperry, D. E., Sperry, L. L., & Miller, P. J. (2019). Reexamining the verb…
RT @SSpencerSALT: @DamsonEd @ian_cushing This is a good one too: Sperry, D. E., Sperry, L. L., & Miller, P. J. (2019). Reexamining the verb…
RT @SSpencerSALT: @DamsonEd @ian_cushing This is a good one too: Sperry, D. E., Sperry, L. L., & Miller, P. J. (2019). Reexamining the verb…
@DamsonEd @ian_cushing This is a good one too: Sperry, D. E., Sperry, L. L., & Miller, P. J. (2019). Reexamining the verbal environments of children from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Child development, 90(4), 1303-1318.
@cbokhove @DiLeed https://t.co/IwUz9Xx6X3
Reexamining the Verbal Environments of Children From Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds https://t.co/zq4QwpjYGD
RT @SSpencerSALT: @APinchofSaLTs @amypicknellslt @EmiliaSpeechTx I think you'll LOVE this paper Sperry, D. E., Sperry, L. L., & Miller, P.…
RT @SSpencerSALT: @APinchofSaLTs @amypicknellslt @EmiliaSpeechTx I think you'll LOVE this paper Sperry, D. E., Sperry, L. L., & Miller, P.…
@APinchofSaLTs @amypicknellslt @EmiliaSpeechTx I think you'll LOVE this paper Sperry, D. E., Sperry, L. L., & Miller, P. J. (2019). Reexamining the verbal environments of children from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Child development, 90(4), 1303-1318
@DiLeed @cbokhove @Sue_Cowley Also this https://t.co/f2vaBs6cCA
@supervidoqo @ninaturner So these researchers are wrong?https://t.co/6w5i1jMBFT
@feefer2 @WillyCsAlgebra @First5CA https://t.co/cvMBxyy58Q
RT @the_etheropian: The #WordGap study (Hart and Risley, 1995) that says that poor kids hear 30 million less words and do worse because of…
The #WordGap study (Hart and Risley, 1995) that says that poor kids hear 30 million less words and do worse because of it that Biden is citing to encourage y’all to play record players for your kids at night is shit science, fyi https://t.co/BCpImneGVP https://t.co/TlVBLVTTRP
@etaknipsa Ah! This is the one where the researchers tried to replicate it https://t.co/HqRFaJexUD
Reexamining the Verbal Environments of Children From Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds - Sperry - - Child… https://t.co/tjkcS3G6rn
@PaulMorganPhD @IanVRowe @MattBruenig @MonaDavids @nsvf @dmmcgriff @Edwonkmom @charteralliance This is a point that Sperry and others raised earlier this year. https://t.co/9YSjhqVoto
The 30 million words gap put to test (possibly not real): https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cdev.13072
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