Theories

Question 1

Computational Theory of Mind

Answer 1

The human mind is an information processing system and cognition and consciousness are together a form of computation

Question 2

Generativism

Answer 2

1. Noam Chomsky
2. describing language by generative grammars is useful
3. language is biologically prewired property of humans

Question 3

Modularity

Answer 3

Specialisation: language processing is specialized in the brain to the extent that it occurs in different areas than other types of information processing such as visual input

Question 4

Connectionism

Answer 4

Learning is achieved by a network of units that correspond, metaphorically, to neurons in the brain

Question 5

Semantic networks features

Answer 5

1. spreading activation
2. parallel processing
3. slow decay
4. feedback
5. inhibition

Question 6

Theories of word meaning

Answer 6

1. referential theory
2. definitional theory
3. image theory
4. prototype theory
   (5. family resemblance)

Question 7

Referential theory of meaning

Answer 7

Meaning of a word is the object in the worlds to which the word refers

Question 8

Problems referential theory

Answer 8

empty references are still meaningful

Question 9

Image theory of meaning

Answer 9

Meanings are mental pictures associated with a word

Question 10

Problems image theory

Answer 10

picture more specific than meaning; picture has no essential components; abstract concepts do not have a picture

Question 11

Definitional theory of meaning

Answer 11

Meaning of a word is its definition

Question 12

Problems definitional theory

Answer 12

seems not to include whole meaning; we know meaning before definition

Question 13

Prototype theory of meaning

Answer 13

a set is defined by its members + prototypical elements

Question 14

Problems prototype theory

Answer 14

not every set has a prototype; prototypes can vary without variation in meaning; do prototypes really determine meaning?

Question 15

Two stages theory

Answer 15

We first activate and select lemma and only later phonological form
Evidence: ToT

Question 16

Evidence two stages

Answer 16

1. Kempen & Huijbers; describing scenes
2. Levelt et al; picture naming with auditory distractor
3. Meyer; producing sentences with two nouns (pictures)

Question 17

Phonological Completeness Hypothesis

Answer 17

Earlier acquired words easier to pronounce than later acquired

Question 18

Semantic Locus Hypothesis

Answer 18

Late acquired words are often defined in terms of earlier learned words, the lexical entrees for earlier acquired words may be implicitly aroused whenever a late acquired word is encountered, thereby lowering the thresholds of the earlier acquired words

Question 19

Network Plasticity Hypothesis

Answer 19

When patterns are entered into training early, the network structures itself, through larger weight changes, into a certain configuration. When later learned patterns are entered, the network has lost some of its plasticity.

Question 20

Cumulative Frequency Hypothesis

Answer 20

Early acquired words have simply been encountered more times during a participant’s lifetime

Question 21

Lexical-Semantic Competition Hypothesis

Answer 21

In experimental tasks such as word naming and lexical decision, the size of the frequency effect and AoA effect are highly correlated and roughly equivalent.

Question 22

Bilateral Representation Hypothesis

Answer 22

Early acquired words are represented in hemispheres of the brain, later acquired words only in the left, rejected: failed to find any interaction between visual field and AoA

Question 23

Pragmatic reasoning

Answer 23

The process of finding the intended meaning(s) of the given and it is suggested that this amounts to the process of inferring the appropriate context(s) in which to interpret the given.

Question 24

Models of speech production

Answer 24

1. psycholinguistic processing
2. neurocomputational
   a. feedforward/feedback model (DIVA)
   b. state feedback models (FACTS)

Question 25

Psycholinguistic processing

Answer 25

processes work with mappings; rules (encoding) and representation (planning, programming, self-monitoring)

Question 26

Neurocomputational model

Answer 26

natural neuronal processes of speech production and perception as they occur in the human nervous system