Examining word processing via a megastudy of conditional reading aloud

2018 ◽  
Vol 71 (11) ◽  
pp. 2295-2313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J Cortese ◽  
Mark Yates ◽  
Jocelyn Schock ◽  
Lizete Vilks

Results from a megastudy on conditional reading aloud for 2,145 monosyllabic words are reported. In stepwise regression analyses, the predictor variables accounted for over 66% of the reaction time (RT) variance. Linear mixed effect modelling on log RT indicated that every variable that related to RT in either reading aloud or lexical decision also related to RT in conditional reading aloud. Notably, differences among tasks were observed. Specifically, lexical decision showed stronger reliance on semantic information than the other two tasks, but conditional reading aloud also showed strong reliance on semantic information. Interestingly, feedback consistency affected reading aloud and conditional reading but not lexical decision. Pairwise correlations revealed that conditional reading aloud performance showed moderately strong relationships to lexical decision and reading aloud performance, whereas reading aloud and lexical decision performance were weakly related to each other. Conditional reading aloud produces reliable data that can be used to examine word processing. Theoretical challenges moving forward include how to best conceptualise and model processes involved in this task.

2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (11) ◽  
pp. 2036-2044
Author(s):  
Michael J Cortese ◽  
Sean Toppi ◽  
Maya M Khanna ◽  
Jonathan B Santo

In the present study, we analyse data from the English Lexicon Project to assess the extent to which age of acquisition (AoA) effects on word processing stem from the number of semantic associations tied to a word. We show that the backward number of associates (bNoA; that is, the log transformed number of words that produce the target word in free association) is an important predictor of both lexical decision and reading aloud performance, and reduces the typical AoA effect as represented by subject ratings in both tasks. Although the AoA effect is reduced, it remains a significant predictor of performance above and beyond bNoA. We conclude that the semantic locus of AoA effects can be found in the number of backward connections to the word, and that the independent AoA effect is due to network plasticity. We discuss how computational models currently explain AoA effects, and how bNoA may affect their processing.


2007 ◽  
Vol 60 (8) ◽  
pp. 1072-1082 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Cortese ◽  
Maya M. Khanna

Age of acquisition (AoA) ratings were obtained and were used in hierarchical regression analyses to predict naming and lexical-decision performance for 2,342 words (from Balota, Cortese, Sergent-Marshall, Spieler, & Yap, 2004). In the analyses, AoA was included in addition to the set of predictors used by Balota et al. (2004). AoA significantly predicted latency performance on both tasks above and beyond the standard predictor set. However, AoA was more strongly related to lexical-decision performance than to naming performance. Finally, the previously reported effect of imageability on naming latencies by Balota et al. was not significant with AoA included as a factor. These results are consistent with the idea either that AoA has a semantic/lexical locus or that AoA effects emerge primarily in situations in which the input–output mapping is arbitrary.


2000 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 136-142
Author(s):  
Edward J. Petruso ◽  
Mark V. Gentry ◽  
Matthew R. Lemming ◽  
Charles J. Meliska

Author(s):  
Boji P W Lam ◽  
Zenzi M Griffin ◽  
Thomas P Marquardt

Abstract Objective The happy–sad task adapts the classic day–night task by incorporating two early acquired emotional concepts (“happy” and “sad”) and demonstrates elevated inhibitory demands for native speakers. The task holds promise as a new executive function measure for assessing inhibitory control across the lifespan, but no studies have examined the influence of language of test administration on performance. Method Seventy adult native English speakers and 50 non-native speakers completed the computerized day–night and the new happy–sad tasks administered in English. In two conditions, participants were categorized pictorial stimuli either in a congruent manner (“happy” for a happy face) or in a more challenging, incongruent manner (“sad” for a happy face). Lexical decision performance was obtained to estimate levels of English language proficiency. Results Native speakers and non-native speakers performed comparably except for the critical incongruent condition of the happy–sad task, where native speakers responded more slowly. A greater congruency effect for the happy–sad task was found for native than for non-native speakers. Lexical decision performance was associated with performance on the challenging incongruent conditions. Conclusion This study reinforced the usefulness of the happy–sad task as a new measure in evaluating inhibitory control in adult native-speakers. However, the language of test administration needs to be considered in assessment because it may lead to performance differences between native and non-native speakers.


2022 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 100224
Author(s):  
Martina Vanova ◽  
Luke Aldridge-Waddon ◽  
Ben Jennings ◽  
Leonie Elbers ◽  
Ignazio Puzzo ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 185-190
Author(s):  
Filiz Mergen ◽  
Gulmira Kuruoglu

A great bulk of research in the psycholinguistic literature has been dedicated to hemispheric organization of words. An overwhelming evidence suggests that the left hemisphere is primarily responsible for lexical processing. However, non-words, which look similar to real words but lack meaningful associations, is underrepresented in the laterality literature. This study investigated the lateralization of Turkish non-words. Fifty-three Turkish monolinguals performed a lexical decision task in a visual hemifield paradigm. An analysis of their response times revealed left-hemispheric dominance for non-words, adding further support to the literature. The accuracy of their answers, however, were comparable regardless of the field of presentation. The results were discussed in light of the psycholinguistic word processing views.


2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-121
Author(s):  
Marley Yarian ◽  
Karla N. Washington ◽  
Caroline E. Spencer ◽  
Jennifer Vannest ◽  
Kathryn Crowe

Predictors of expressive grammar were compared in formal and naturalistic assessment tasks for children with typically developing (TD) language and with Developmental Langauge Disorder (DLD). Standardized expressive language assessments were administered to 110 preschoolers. The parents of these children reported whether or not they were concerned about their child’s speech and language development. Stepwise regression analyses revealed receptive language as the only significant predictor of expressive grammar across assessment tasks. For TD preschoolers, receptive vocabulary and grammar accounted for expressive grammar performance in the formal task; however, only receptive grammar accounted for performance in the naturalistic task. For DLD preschoolers, only receptive vocabulary accounted for expressive grammar performance across both tasks. Nonverbal IQ and parent concern did not predict expressive grammar performance in either task. Implications for treatment of preschool DLD using relative strengths in vocabulary are discussed.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document