Comparative Illusions (CI) (More people have been to Russia than I have) are judged as grammatical despite being uninterpretable. Does processing CIs rely on comparisons to similar structures? are other factors involved? Do interpretations vary?
182 participants filled out a 3x2x2 design (on MTurk) combining three types of stimuli (CI, interpretable pair, filler), in/direct speech conditions, and open-ended vs. 2AFC responses. Results suggest that multiple cues influence CI processing. Significant differences between identical CIs in direct vs. indirect speech contradict claims that the interpretation of CIs is driven purely by syntax. Moreover, CIs do not appear to be treated uniformly.
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https://illinois.zoom.us/j/466180103
Meeting ID: 466 180 103