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ERIC Number: ED519828
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 242
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: ISBN-978-1-1242-4993-3
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Backwards and Forwards: Behavioral and Neurophysiological Investigations into Dependency Processing
Witzel, Jeffrey D.
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, The University of Arizona
This dissertation examines the processing of sentences involving long-distance linguistic dependencies, or sentences containing elements that must be linked across intervening words and phrases. Specifically, both behavioral (self-paced reading and eye tracking) and neurophysiological (electroencephalography) methods were used (a) to evaluate the relative importance of backward- and forward-looking dependency satisfaction processes in the comprehension of sentences involving wh-dependencies; and (b) to determine the extent to which common neurocognitive mechanisms are involved the processing of "wh"- and anaphoric dependencies. With respect to the first issue, both behavioral and neurophysiological results indicated a core role for forward-looking, expectancy-based processes in the comprehension of "wh"-dependency sentences. Regarding the latter issue, despite considerable overlap in the reading patterns associated with "wh"-dependencies and (at least some types of) anaphora, the neurophysiological responses related to these dependency types indicated that their processing draws on distinct neurocognitive mechanisms. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A