Complement set focus without explicit quantity

Ingram, J. and Moxey, L. M. (2011) Complement set focus without explicit quantity. Journal of Cognitive Psychology, 23(3), pp. 383-400. (doi: 10.1080/20445911.2011.524202)

Abstract

Production and comprehension of pronominal references may vary depending on whether this is preceded by a statement including a positive or a negative natural language quantifier (NLQ). After a negative NLQ there is a preference to refer to the complement set, a set not explicitly mentioned (Moxey & Sanford, 1987). We report two experiments which examine whether a property of the NLQ, or some alternative factor is responsible for this pattern of reference. According to the Presupposition Denial Account, complement set reference arises when the shortfall between a previously expected amount and a smaller amount, denoted by an NLQ, is made salient (Moxey, 2006). Using a character's implicit desire and positive versus negative emotion words, we manipulate the prominence of the shortfall. Results from a language production task show that when there is a large difference between what a character is likely to want and the amount that can be inferred from a negative emotion word there is an increase in production of complement set references. An eye movement study shows that, if a shortfall has been made salient in this way, a reference set reference leads to disruption during reading. These results are consistent with the Presupposition Denial Account.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Moxey, Dr Linda and Ingram, Dr Joanne
• Authors: Ingram, J., and Moxey, L. M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology
• Journal Name: Journal of Cognitive Psychology
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis (Routledge)
• ISSN: 2044-5911
• ISSN (Online): 2044-592X