Dual-Task Accuracy and Response Time Index Effects of Spoken Sentence Predictability and Cognitive Load on Listening...

Area of Science:

• Auditory perception
• Cognitive psychology
• Speech processing

Background:

• Listening effort is a key factor in spoken language comprehension.
• Cognitive load can significantly impact speech understanding.
• Predictive context in sentences can aid in word recognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how spoken sentence predictability influences listening effort.
• To examine the effect of cognitive load on speech processing and listening effort.
• To determine if working memory or vocabulary moderates the benefits of sentence context.

Main Methods:

• A sequential dual-task design was employed with young adults with normal hearing.
• Participants listened to sentences in multitalker babble, varying in word predictability.
• Cognitive load was manipulated using sequences of to-be-remembered digits (low vs. high load).

Main Results:

• Words were identified faster and more accurately in predictable compared to unpredictable sentences.
• Digit recall (memory task) was faster and more accurate when sentences were predictable, indicating reduced listening effort.
• High cognitive load slowed word identification and reduced digit recall accuracy and speed.
• The benefits of sentence predictability were independent of speech intelligibility and not correlated with working memory or vocabulary.

Conclusions:

• Predictable sentence context significantly reduces listening effort in individuals with normal hearing.
• Cognitive load independently impacts spoken word processing, increasing listening effort.
• These findings have implications for understanding speech comprehension in noisy or demanding environments.