Mixed-Methods-Designs in der Spracherwerbsforschung

Overview & Synopsis

This publication formulates a comprehensive picture of children's expression of empathy, while also developing a complex mixed-methods design. The study focusses on the linguistic and communicative abilities of 22 children, aged three to seven years, some of whom exhibit language difficulties. Using videotaped interactions, patterns of empathic expression are analyzed at word level, sentence level and also at conversational level, potentially influencing factors are discussed. By integrating qualitative and quantitative perspectives, this study shows how children express empathy verbally, kinetically, prosodically, and vocally. The volume provides valuable insights into the role of language in emotionally charged interactive situations.