Language and Reading 3

• What are the key theories of discourse processing?


  • Constructionist approach
  • Minimalist hypothesis
  • Event-indexing model

  
• What does the experiential simulations approach in discourse processing suggest?

  It suggests that readers simulate experiences while reading based on sensorimotor representations.

  
• What is the process of making inferences in reading?

  It involves filling in gaps in the text to enhance understanding.
• What are the types of inferences made during discourse processing?

  1. Logical inferences
  2. Bridging inferences
  3. Elaborative inferences

  
• What does the constructionist approach explain about readers' inferences?

  It explains how readers construct a complete mental model of the situation while reading.
• What inference can be drawn from the sentence about turtles and a fish?

  The fish swam under the log.
• What was the task given to participants in the study about Gerald Martin?

  Participants read a story and later recognized sentences related to Hitler.
• What does the minimalist hypothesis state about inferences?

  Inferences can be automatic or strategic, depending on the reader's goals.
• When are most elaborative inferences made according to the minimalist hypothesis?

  Most elaborative inferences are made at recall.
• What was the finding of the study by Calvo, Castillo & Schmalhofer regarding G1 and G2 groups?

  G2 drew more elaborative inferences than G1.
• What was the finding regarding readers' inference of character goals in the study by Poynor & Morris?

  Readers inferred the character's goal even when it was only implied.
• What dimensions do readers keep track of in the event-indexing model?

  1. Protagonist
  2. Temporality
  3. Causality
  4. Spatiality
  5. Intentionality
• What was the finding of the study by Zwaan & Radvansky regarding event descriptions?

  The duration of the second event influenced the accessibility of the first event.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the event-indexing model?

  It identifies key processes but lacks detail on internal representations.
• What are schemas in the context of discourse processing?

  • Schemas stored in long-term memory include:
  • Scripts: knowledge about events and their consequences.
  • Frames: knowledge structures relating to aspects of the world.
• What does the experiential simulations approach suggest about cognition?

  Cognition is underpinned by modal simulations, bodily states, and situated action.
• How does the experiential simulations approach apply to language?

  It suggests that sensorimotor representations are re-enacted when reading about similar experiences.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the simulations approach in language comprehension?

  Strengths:

  • Provides a framework for understanding internal representations.
  • Evidence supports the role of perception, action, and emotion in comprehension.

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Uncertainty about its applicability in all circumstances.
  • Difficulty explaining abstract concepts like 'truth' and 'freedom'.