Chapter 6: Sentence Structure and Processing

Garden Path Model

A two-stage model comprising syntactic analysis and semantic interpretation.

Heuristic 1

Late Closure: A syntactic parsing strategy where one continues adding new words to the current structure until sufficient evidence suggests that a new structure should begin.

Heuristic 2

Minimal Attachment: A strategy focusing on the simplest possible sentence structure.

Garden Path Sentence

A sentence that deviates from expected structure, causing processing difficulty, e.g., 'While Sarah bathed, her baby played on the floor.'

Minimal Attachment

A strategy focusing on the simplest possible sentence structure, often leading to confusion over the attachment of phrases.

Testing Minimal Attachment

The Garden Path model indicates that high attachment is the default option, where context influences syntactic preferences.

Constraint-Based Model

Proposes simultaneous syntactic analysis and semantic interpretation, where syntax and semantics constrain each other.

Syntactic Priming

The tendency to replicate previously encountered sentence structures, providing support for the garden path model.

N400

ERP component elicited after the presentation of semantically inconsistent stimuli (e.g., 'She spreads her toast with socks.').

P600

ERP component elicited post-syntactic inconsistency (e.g., 'The broker persuaded to sell the stock.').

Incremental Model of Sentence Production

Model where processing of one stage occurs concurrently with proceeding to the next stage; supported by evidence indicating sentence initiation before full planning.

Planning Scope

The extent to which individuals plan their sentences ahead of time, influenced by content words, phrases, and clauses, with discrepancies arising from experimental biases and variability in processing demands.

Prosodic Bootstrapping

Children use prosodic patterns to discern syntactic structures, utilizing pauses and pitch cues.

Usage-Based Theorists

Propose that adult language errors may enhance linguistic learning rather than detract, such as simplified English yes-no questions.