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Related Concept Videos

Encoding01:19

Encoding

Information enters the brain through encoding, which is the input of information into the memory system. Once sensory information is received from the environment, the brain labels or codes it. The information is then organized with similar information and connected to existing concepts. Encoding occurs through automatic processing and effortful processing.
Automatic processing involves the encoding of details like time, space, frequency, and the meaning of words, usually done without conscious...
Chunking and Rehearsal in Sensory Memory01:22

Chunking and Rehearsal in Sensory Memory

Improving short-term memory can be achieved through techniques like chunking and rehearsal. Chunking involves organizing information into larger, more manageable units. This technique is particularly useful for information that exceeds the typical memory span of between five and nine items. For instance, logging into an online account with a password like "ta89vq0179gz" involves grouping letters and numbers into three chunks—ta89, vq01, and 79gz. It makes large amounts of information more...
Language and Cognition01:27

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Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language01:10

Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language

Language is a system of communication that allows the expression of thoughts, ideas, and feelings. The brain processes language in both hemispheres.
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Parallel Processing01:20

Parallel Processing

The brain processes sensory information rapidly due to parallel processing, which involves sending data across multiple neural pathways at the same time. This method allows the brain to manage various sensory qualities, such as shapes, colors, movements, and locations, all concurrently. For instance, when observing a forest landscape, the brain simultaneously processes the movement of leaves, the shapes of trees, the depth between them, and the various shades of green. This enables a quick and...
Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay02:27

Nonsense-mediated mRNA Decay

The Upf proteins that carry out nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) are found in all eukaryotic organisms, including humans. Each protein has an individual role, but they need to work in collaboration. Upf1 is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase that unwinds the RNA helix. Because Upf1 can unwind any RNA, Upf2 and Upf3 are required to help Upf1 discriminate between nonsense and normal mRNAs.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Decomposing the Variance in Reading Comprehension to Reveal the Unique and Common Effects of Language and Decoding
06:33

Decomposing the Variance in Reading Comprehension to Reveal the Unique and Common Effects of Language and Decoding

Published on: October 11, 2018

Encoding multiple words simultaneously in reading is implausible.

Erik D Reichle1, Simon P Liversedge, Alexander Pollatsek

  • 1University of Pittsburgh, 635 LRDC, 3939 O'Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA. reichle@pitt.edu

Trends in Cognitive Sciences
|February 19, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Attention is serially allocated during reading, not in parallel. This study challenges the attention-gradient hypothesis, arguing for single-word focus in reading processes.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Decomposing the Variance in Reading Comprehension to Reveal the Unique and Common Effects of Language and Decoding
06:33

Decomposing the Variance in Reading Comprehension to Reveal the Unique and Common Effects of Language and Decoding

Published on: October 11, 2018

Eye-tracking to Distinguish Comprehension-based and Oculomotor-based Regressive Eye Movements During Reading
05:54

Eye-tracking to Distinguish Comprehension-based and Oculomotor-based Regressive Eye Movements During Reading

Published on: October 18, 2018

Using Eye Movements to Evaluate the Cognitive Processes Involved in Text Comprehension
06:49

Using Eye Movements to Evaluate the Cognitive Processes Involved in Text Comprehension

Published on: January 10, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Neuroscience of Reading
  • Visual Attention

Background:

  • Prominent reading models suggest attention distributes to process multiple words simultaneously.
  • The attention-gradient hypothesis posits a gradient of attention across words during reading.
  • Debate exists regarding attention allocation mechanisms during the reading process.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate the assumptions underpinning the attention-gradient hypothesis.
  • To examine the plausibility of parallel lexical processing during reading.
  • To provide evidence supporting serial attention allocation in reading.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical analysis of existing models of attention and reading.
  • Examination of the logical and empirical basis of the attention-gradient hypothesis.
  • Argument construction for serial attention allocation based on cognitive principles.

Main Results:

  • The auxiliary assumptions supporting the attention-gradient hypothesis are found to be inadequately substantiated.
  • Processing multiple words in parallel during reading is demonstrated to be implausible.
  • Arguments are presented that attention is necessarily allocated to single words sequentially.

Conclusions:

  • The attention-gradient hypothesis, which suggests distributed attention in reading, is not well-founded.
  • Evidence supports a serial attention allocation model for reading.
  • Attention is allocated to one word at a time during the reading process.