Liao, CH;
Lau, E;
Chow, WY;
(2022)
Towards a processing model for argument-verb computations in online sentence comprehension.
Journal of Memory and Language
, 126
, Article 104350. 10.1016/j.jml.2022.104350.
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Abstract
The current study investigated the processing stages by which the parser incorporates different pieces of information, from clausehood to argument roles, to update predictions about the main verb. Using Mandarin to match word position across relevant conditions, we extend classic ERP findings on the impact of argument role reversals ([The millionaireSUBJECT the servantOBJECT fired] vs. #[The servantSUBJECT the millionaireOBJECT fired]), by investigating cases where one of the nouns is not an argument of the verb ([The millionaireSUBJECT the servantOBJECT fired] vs. #[The millionaire thought [the servantSUBJECT fired…]]). The pattern of N400 responses suggest a three-stage model of argument-verb computation: An initial stage demonstrates sensitivity at the verb to semantic association only. Soon after, responses show partial structure-sensitivity, differentiating whether the noun phrases are arguments of the upcoming verb or not. Only at the last stage do the arguments’ roles (e.g. agent/patient) become available to impact computations at the verb.
| Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Title: | Towards a processing model for argument-verb computations in online sentence comprehension |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.jml.2022.104350 |
| Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jml.2022.104350 |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions. |
| Keywords: | Social Sciences, Linguistics, Psychology, Psychology, Experimental, Sentence processing, Argument information, Thematic relations, N400, EYE-MOVEMENTS, LANGUAGE COMPREHENSION, THEMATIC RELATIONSHIPS, SEMANTIC ILLUSIONS, PREDICTION, ANIMACY, MEMORY, TIME, EEG, ERP |
| UCL classification: | UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences UCL |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10154958 |
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