Towards a processing model for argument-verb computations in online sentence comprehension

ElsevierVolume 126, October 2022, 104350Journal of Memory and LanguageHighlights•

We propose a model of the processing profile of argument-verb relation computation.

The system does not differentiate structures among the noun phrases initially.

At a middle stage, the parser can identify if noun phrases are arguments of a verb.

Argument role information is not integrated until the latest stage.

Abstract

The current study investigated the processing stages by which the parser incorporates different pieces of information, from clausehood to argument roles, to update predictions about the main verb. Using Mandarin to match word position across relevant conditions, we extend classic ERP findings on the impact of argument role reversals ([The millionaireSUBJECT the servantOBJECTfired] vs. #[The servantSUBJECT the millionaireOBJECTfired]), by investigating cases where one of the nouns is not an argument of the verb ([The millionaireSUBJECT the servantOBJECTfired] vs. #[The millionaire thought [the servantSUBJECTfired…]]). The pattern of N400 responses suggest a three-stage model of argument-verb computation: An initial stage demonstrates sensitivity at the verb to semantic association only. Soon after, responses show partial structure-sensitivity, differentiating whether the noun phrases are arguments of the upcoming verb or not. Only at the last stage do the arguments’ roles (e.g. agent/patient) become available to impact computations at the verb.

Keywords

Sentence processing

Argument information

Thematic relations

N400

Data statement

The experiment stimuli, pre-processing script, and ERP data are available online at https://data.mendeley.com/datasets/g8gkmk8cwg/3.

View full text

© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

留言 (0)

沒有登入
gif