Semantic anomalies at the borderline of consciousness: an eye-tracking investigation

Bohan, J. and Sanford, A. (2008) Semantic anomalies at the borderline of consciousness: an eye-tracking investigation. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 61(2), pp. 232-239. (doi: 10.1080/17470210701617219) (PMID:17886160)

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Abstract

We report an eye-tracking study in which participants read passages containing difficult-to-detect semantic anomalies. Would there be any evidence of the registration of the anomaly within the comprehension system (reflected in eye tracking) when anomalies were not noticed? Using early and late processing measures, there was no evidence for registration independent of conscious detection. Comparisons were made between detected and undetected anomalies and between these and nonanomalous controls. There was evidence of disruption to the tracking measures only when a conscious report was also made. These data fit the view that shallow semantic processing underlies the failure to detect anomalies. Implications for language processing are discussed.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Bohan, Dr Jason and Sanford, Professor Anthony
Authors: Bohan, J., and Sanford, A.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
Journal Name:Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:1747-0218
ISSN (Online):1747-0226
Published Online:08 January 2008

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