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Introduction

Student Research Project Abstract This study aims to investigate whether bilingualism causes improved cognitive ability to motivate students to learn a second language and become global citizens who have proficient understanding of different cultures and globally significant issues. This is conducted through a cognitive test in which you multitask between simple computer tasks and memorisation. The results suggest a small difference in monolingual and bilingual abilities, with monolinguals being more proficient, yet it was inconclusive as there was difficulty finding enough monolingual participants.[1] This illustrates how most of Australia speaks a second language, either from their cultural background or learning at school. Research question Are bilingual people more proficient at multitasking between cognitive tasks? Background research The world?s understanding of bilingualism has dramatically shifted over the turn of the century. Scientists, teachers and the general public long considered a second language to be an interference to children?s cognitive development. However, recent research has shown that it can have a great impact on your brain, improving cognitive skills unrelated to language and even protecting against dementia in old age.[2] When a bilingual person uses one language, the other is active at the same time. ...read more.

Middle

Prolonged computer usage. Eye-strain and health risks (such as obesity and cardiovascular disease) associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Rest eyes by following the 20-20-20 guideline. Every 20 minutes look at an object 20 feet away or more for 20 seconds. Get up and take a break from sitting every 30 minutes. Difficult to read font size and colour. Eye-strain. Increase the font size and colour of the text to improve comfort. The most comfortable combination is black text on a white background. Reflections and glare on the screen. Eye-strain. Place your screen at a right angle to light sources. Close your curtains or blinds to reduce glare from sunlight.[6] Poor posture. Musculoskeletal pain and injury. Ensure you are sitting on back of your chair with your back straight, shoulders back and feet flat on the floor.[7] Experimental variables Independent variable: Number of languages participants know. Dependent variable: Average speed and average number of mistakes in the online multitasking test. Controlled variables: Age (teenagers) and device used (computers). Equipment list * Computer/laptop * Access to Internet Method 1. Create a survey on Google Forms with the following questions: * Age * Gender * Class * Do you understand any languages other than English? ...read more.

Conclusion

The investigation was flawed so nothing can be concluded from this. However, through this I discovered that Australia has more bilingual speakers than expected, even within schools that are not as culturally diverse. It is great to know that more Australians are learning a second language and becoming global citizens who are bettering their understanding of different cultures and globally significant issues. Acknowledgements Thank you to Ms. Sayed, Mr. Mohammed and Mr. Apostolou for assisting me with finding participants and helping me improve my work. ________________ [1] International Baccalaureate®. (n.d.). Learning a language in DP | International Baccalaureate®. [online] Available at: http://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/what-is-the-dp/learning-a-language/ [Accessed 22 Feb. 2019]. [2] Bhattacharjee, Y. (2012). Why Bilinguals Are Smarter. [online] Nytimes.com. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/18/opinion/sunday/the-benefits-of-bilingualism.html [Accessed 16 Feb. 2019]. [3] Dilmen, N. (n.d.). [image] Available at: https://ugc.futurelearn.com/uploads/assets/7f/0a/large_hero_7f0adc1e-c7c5-4419-9dea-5786715e741d.png [Accessed 16 Feb. 2019]. [4] Anon, (n.d.). [image] Available at: http://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/a/a_10/a_10_cr/a_10_cr_lan/a_10_cr_lan_1b.jpg [Accessed 16 Feb. 2019]. [5] Marian, V. and Shook, A. (2012). The Cognitive Benefits of Being Bilingual. [online] Dana.org. Available at: http://www.dana.org/Cerebrum/Default.aspx?id=39483# [Accessed 16 Feb. 2019]. [6] McElaney, J. and Voge-Levin, L. (2013). Risks of Laptop Use. [online] Pamf.org. Available at: http://www.pamf.org/teen/health/ergonomics/risks.html [Accessed 21 Feb. 2019]. [7] Muller, J. (2019). Proper Sitting Posture at a Computer (According to Experts). [online] Ergonomic Trends. Available at: http://ergonomictrends.com/proper-sitting-posture-computer-experts/ [Accessed 21 Feb. 2019]. ...read more.

This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our International Baccalaureate Psychology section.