The interplay between semantic and referential aspects of anaphoric noun phrase resolution: Evidence from ERPs

In this event-related brain potential (ERP) study, we examined how semantic and referential aspects of anaphoric noun phrase resolution interact during discourse comprehension. We used a full factorial design that crossed referential ambiguity with semantic incoherence. Ambiguous anaphors elicited a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Brain and language 2008-08, Vol.106 (2), p.119-131
Main Authors: Nieuwland, Mante S., Van Berkum, Jos J.A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Anaphor resolution
Behavioral psychophysiology
Biological and medical sciences
Brain
Brain - physiology
Brain Mapping - methods
Cognition - physiology
Comprehension - physiology
Discourse comprehension
Electroencephalography
Electrophysiology
ERPs
Evoked Potentials - physiology
Female
Figurative Language
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
Individual Differences
Language
Language Tests - statistics & numerical data
LPC
Male
Mental Processes - physiology
Miscellaneous
Models, Psychological
N400
Nouns
Nref effect
P600
Photic Stimulation - methods
Psycholinguistics - methods
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Reading Comprehension
Semantic Differential - statistics & numerical data
Semantics
Semiotics
Speech Perception - physiology
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Summary:In this event-related brain potential (ERP) study, we examined how semantic and referential aspects of anaphoric noun phrase resolution interact during discourse comprehension. We used a full factorial design that crossed referential ambiguity with semantic incoherence. Ambiguous anaphors elicited a sustained negative shift (Nref effect), and incoherent anaphors elicited an N400 effect. Simultaneously ambiguous and incoherent anaphors elicited an ERP pattern resembling that of the incoherent anaphors. These results suggest that semantic incoherence can preclude readers from engaging in anaphoric inferencing. Furthermore, approximately half of our participants unexpectedly showed common late positive effects to the three types of problematic anaphors. We relate the latter finding to recent accounts of what the P600 might reflect, and to the role of individual differences therein.
ISSN:0093-934X
1090-2155
DOI:10.1016/j.bandl.2008.05.001