The Influence of Cross-Language Activation on Working Memory Capacity
In a series of experiments, we are testing whether co-activation of word representations affects the available working memory capacity for bilinguals during reading comprehension. Specifically, we are testing if reading span scores are greater when sentences have cognates. |
Integrating Information Across Texts Written in Different Languages
In a series of experiments we are following up on our recently published research (Schleicher & Schwartz, 2022) demonstrating that proficient bilinguals can flexibly integrate information across texts written in their two languages when the information is completely consistent. When information is inconsistent, for example, if one text presents newer information that should replace older information, there is a cost in integration when texts are in different languages.
This is work has been recently funded by the NIH, R16 SuRE mechanism
In a series of experiments we are following up on our recently published research (Schleicher & Schwartz, 2022) demonstrating that proficient bilinguals can flexibly integrate information across texts written in their two languages when the information is completely consistent. When information is inconsistent, for example, if one text presents newer information that should replace older information, there is a cost in integration when texts are in different languages.
This is work has been recently funded by the NIH, R16 SuRE mechanism
The Nature of Language Control During Comprehension
We are examining what language control mechanisms are available during comprehension. Most research on language control has focused on language production. In fact, current prominent models of comprehension assume that there is early-acting language wide control. Well, we have data that say otherwise. Also, according to current models domain-general cognitive control processes do not have an early impact on word activation and retrieval during comprehension. Well, we have data that suggests otherwise. In a series of eye-tracking experiments, we have observed significant language switch costs, suggesting that the non-presented language is less accessible-which suggests language-wide control. In one experiment, we included a color language cue. Switch costs were significantly reduced in the presence of color cue, suggesting that domain-general cognitive control processes do in fact operate during comprehension.
We are examining what language control mechanisms are available during comprehension. Most research on language control has focused on language production. In fact, current prominent models of comprehension assume that there is early-acting language wide control. Well, we have data that say otherwise. Also, according to current models domain-general cognitive control processes do not have an early impact on word activation and retrieval during comprehension. Well, we have data that suggests otherwise. In a series of eye-tracking experiments, we have observed significant language switch costs, suggesting that the non-presented language is less accessible-which suggests language-wide control. In one experiment, we included a color language cue. Switch costs were significantly reduced in the presence of color cue, suggesting that domain-general cognitive control processes do in fact operate during comprehension.