Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2025
04:30
An Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Ageing on Sentence Processing
Published on: October 25, 2019
5.6K
Direct impact of cognitive control on sentence processing and comprehension.
Nina S Hsu1,2, Stefanie E Kuchinsky1,2,3, Jared M Novick1,2
1Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
Language, Cognition and Neuroscience
|July 22, 2024
Summary
Engaging cognitive control helps listeners revise language misinterpretations faster. This study shows cognitive control, not just attention, improves language comprehension error correction.
Area of Science:
- Psycholinguistics
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Incremental language processing often leads to temporary ambiguity.
- Listeners may misinterpret input due to these ambiguities, necessitating revision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if cognitive control aids in revising language comprehension errors.
- To determine if engaging cognitive control impacts the temporal dynamics of revision.
Main Methods:
- Four visual-world experiments were conducted.
- Listeners' eye-movements and actions were recorded while processing ambiguous sentences.
- Cognitive control engagement was manipulated using a preceding nonverbal conflict task.
Main Results:
- Fewer comprehension errors were observed when cognitive control was elicited.
- Earlier revision of misinterpretations occurred following cognitive control engagement.
- The effects were specific to cognitive control, not general attention.
Conclusions:
- Domain-general cognitive control engagement influences real-time error-revision processes in language comprehension.
- Cognitive control plays a crucial role in resolving ambiguity and facilitating accurate language understanding.
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