Executive function and intelligence in the resolution of temporary syntactic ambiguity: an individual differences investigation.

ABSTRACT: In the current study, we examined the role of intelligence and executive functions in the resolution of temporary syntactic ambiguity using an individual differences approach. Data were collected from 174 adolescents and adults who completed a battery of cognitive tests as well as a sentence comprehension task. The critical items for the comprehension task consisted of object/subject garden paths (e.g., While Anna dressed the baby that was small and cute played in the crib), and participants answered a comprehension question (e.g., Did Anna dress the baby?) following each one. Previous studies have shown that garden-path misinterpretations tend to persist into final interpretations. Results showed that both intelligence and processing speed interacted with ambiguity. Individuals with highe

SUBMITTER: Engelhardt PE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5222886 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature