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The frequency-predictability interaction in reading: it depends where you're coming from

  • Christopher J. Hand
    ,
  • Sébastien Miellet
    ,
  • Patrick J. O'Donnell
    ,
  • Sara C. Sereno
Research Output:
Contribution to journal
Article
 Peer-review

Abstract

A word's frequency of occurrence and its predictability from a prior context are key factors determining how long the eyes remain on that word in normal reading. Past reaction-time and eye movement research can be distinguished by whether these variables, when combined, produce interactive or additive results, respectively. Our study addressed possible methodological limitations of prior experiments. Initial results showed additive effects of frequency and predictability. However, we additionally examined launch site (the distance from the pretarget fixation to the target) to index the extent of parafoveal target processing. Analyses revealed both additive and interactive effects on target fixations, with the nature of the interaction depending on the quality of the parafoveal preview. Target landing position and pretarget fixation time were also considered. Results were interpreted in terms of models of language processing and eye movement control. Our findings with respect to parafoveal preview and fixation time constraints aim to help parameterize eye movement behavior.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output:
Contribution to journal
Article
 Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 1294-1313

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance (Volume 36, Issue 5)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 01/10/2010

Publication status

Published - 01/10/2010

ISSN

0096-1523

Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/224987
  • Scopus: 77957347069

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