Cognitive Mechanisms of Predictive Processing in Chinese Reading: An Eye-Movement Analysis Based on the Ex-Gaussian...

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Psycholinguistics
• Computational Neuroscience

Background:

• Predictive processing is crucial for efficient reading.
• Understanding cognitive mechanisms in reading is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate cognitive mechanisms of predictive processing in Chinese reading.
• To investigate the role of contextual predictability using eye-tracking data.

Main Methods:

• Ex-Gaussian distribution model applied to eye-tracking data.
• Within-subjects design with high vs. low contextual predictability.
• Analysis of pre-target and target word regions in 32 adult readers.

Main Results:

• A three-stage cognitive model of predictive reading was identified.
• Negative τ effect in expectation generation indicated resource pre-allocation.
• Negative μ effect in verification/integration accelerated lexical processing.
• Positive τ effect in conflict resolution indicated competition and reanalysis, higher in low predictability.

Conclusions:

• Contextual predictability influences reading via lexical identification speed (μ) and cognitive control (τ).
• Findings support integrating predictive coding and cognitive control frameworks.
• Dual mechanism of μ and τ parameters regulates reading efficiency and conflict resolution.