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This paper presents the results of an empirical investigation into the characteristics of unaccusativity in Mandarin by building on the gradient approach to split intransitivity (Sorace, 2000) and previous analyses of Mandarin within that framework (Liu, 2007). The study explores the acceptability of unaccusative verbs in the verb-subject construction with respect to their core-peripheral features. The results clearly demonstrate support for the gradient approach; however, some important departures from the patterns observed in Western European languages are noted. The analysis of variability between and within semantic categories reveals that verbs in certain peripheral categories exhibit behaviour more characteristic of core unaccusative verbs; conversely, some members of the core category Change of Location display characteristics more typical of peripheral verbs. A refined definition of peripheral verbs (true and pseudo) is proposed which has relevance for the cross-linguistic study of split intransitivity, and the unaccusative gradient for Mandarin is reformulated on the basis of stativity.

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This corpus-based study provides a baseline of complex word usage patterns in the spontaneous speech of English preschool children to ascertain the characteristics of their derivative vocabulary before literacy development affects language skills. Frequencies of suffixed derivatives produced by (N=243) children aged 2-5 and their caregivers were extracted for 58 suffix variants, yielding 558 types from the former and 1,364 from the latter. Between the youngest and oldest groups, 11 suffix categories increased significantly in type frequency, compared with 22 in the caregiver dataset. All derivative types were classified for transparency of meaning and simplicity of form on a 5-point analysability scale. Around 59% of both the child and caregiver derivative vocabulary sets were classified as transparent regardless of age, suggesting that the potential analysability of the preschool child's input remains surprisingly invariant over time. The study provides baseline data for future studies on the development of morphological awareness in English-speaking schoolchildren.

The object of this paper is to discuss the methodological issues associated with using video analysis in the evaluation of Human-Computer Interaction. It is proposed that the mapping between low-level observed events and the high-level goals of the usability evaluation ultimately determines the success of this research technique. The paper firstly addresses the advantages of using video as a data-capture medium in the context of usability evaluations, and secondly, evaluates the use of alternative data capture devices. The process of conducting video analysis is then described. The methodological issues that arise in employing this technique are presented in a format consistent with the execution of any empirical investigation: research design, scoring, data analysis and interpretation of results. The reader is alerted to certain methodological problems associated with the use of video analysis as a means of data collection. The conclusion is drawn that video analysis provides a very powerful data source for the study of human performance in cognitive ergonomics and usability evaluations provided that human factors practitioners attend to the methodological requirements imposed by this technique.