The effect of working memory capacity on implicit learning: A dual-task artificial language learning paradigm
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Date
28/11/2012Item status
Restricted AccessAuthor
Kandris, Stamatis
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Abstract
Recent demonstrations of statistical learning in language acquisition have pro-
vided insight on possible connections between language and general cognition. Hu-
man languages evolve both on a population and on a personal-psychological level,
that of language acquisition. This article addresses the research surrounding learn-
ing, working memory, and statistical learning from an evolutionary, neuroscienti c,
and psycholinguistic perspective. I will argue that working memory restrictions af-
fect the complexity of detecting grammatical irregularity, and that there is an inverse
correlation between working memory resources and statistically accurate implicit
learning. Used here was a semi-arti cial language learning methodology, exploring
the correlation between the two aspects of working memory, namely spatial and lin-
guistic, with statistical learning. The participants performed a computerized task,
during which they were presented with examples of the language. A numerical recall
or a spatial manipulation vigilance task was used as distractors in di erent groups.
A nal testing phase examined the ability of participants to reproduce the statistical
irregularity included in the language.