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Processing reflexives and pronouns in picture noun phrase
Jeffrey T Runner1, Rachel S Sussman, Michael K Tanenhaus
1University of Rochester, Department of Linguistics and University of Rochester, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences.
Cognitive Science
|June 28, 2011
Summary
Binding theory predicts pronoun and reflexive domains, but experiments show reflexives often violate these rules. Language processing models may need revision as reflexives in possessive phrases act as logophors.
Area of Science:
- Psycholinguistics
- Linguistic Theory
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Binding theory is central to syntax and language processing.
- It predicts non-overlapping referential domains for pronouns and reflexives.
- These constraints are thought to influence online reference resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test binding theory predictions in sentence processing.
- To investigate the role of binding theory in online reference resolution.
- To examine interpretations of pronouns and reflexives in picture noun phrases (PNPs) with possessors.
Main Methods:
- Four experiments using eye-tracking.
- Participants followed spoken instructions involving dolls and pictures.
- Instructions featured pronouns and reflexives within PNPs containing possessor phrases.
Main Results:
- Pronoun interpretations aligned with binding theory.
- Reflexive interpretations frequently violated binding theory.
- Eye movement patterns contradicted models where binding theory acts as an early filter.
Conclusions:
- Binding theory's predictions are not consistently followed in processing.
- Reflexives in possessive PNPs function as binding-theory-exempt logophors.
- This finding unifies the treatment of reflexives in such constructions.
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