This course combines the theoretical study of sociolinguistics with hands-on training in experimental design. Students will examine how experimental methods can be used to investigate key questions in sociolinguistic cognition, such as how listeners socially evaluate language, what aspects of speech carry social meaning, how sociolinguistic knowledge impacts speech perception, and how variation and change is perceived and produced in real-time language processing. Through an analysis of primary research articles and methodological commentaries, we will evaluate best practices and the role of experiments in furthering sociolinguistic theory. The course emphasizes practical application; through weekly workshops, students will master essential research tools. The semester culminates in the development of an original research question and an experimental design, refined through peer feedback.