Learning nonadjacent dependencies: No need for algebraic-like computations

Category

Journal Article

Authors

Perruchet, P., Tyler, M. D., Galland, N., Peereman, R.

Year

2004

Title

Learning nonadjacent dependencies: No need for algebraic-like computations

Journal / book / conference

Journal of Experimental Psychology: General

Abstract

Is it possible to learn the relation between 2 nonadjacent events ? M. Pena, L. L. Bonatti, M. Nespor, and J. Mehler (2002) claimed this to be possible, but only in conditions suggesting the involvement of algebraic-like computations. The present article reports simulation studies and experimental data showing that the observations on which Pen˜a et al. grounded their reasoning were flawed by deep methodological inadequacies. When the invalid data are set aside, the available evidence fits exactly with the predictions of a theory relying on ubiquitous associative mechanisms. Because nonadjacent dependencies are frequent in natural language, this reappraisal has far-reaching implications for the current debate on the need for rule-based computations in human adaptation to complex structures.

Issue

4

Volume

133

Pages

573-583

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