A relação entre a memória de trabalho e a aposição de orações relativas no português brasileiro sob a perspectiva da psicolinguística experimental

Abstract

In this research, we sought to investigate whether working memory capacity - a cognitive component related to the storage of temporary information - exerts any influence on the processing of relative clauses associated with complex phrases (N1+Prep da+N2). For this, we based our research on the Constructal Hypothesis (FRAZIER & CLIFTON, 1996) - for which the processing of secondary structures considers factors other than structural information -, and on the relationship established between the multicomponent working memory model and language (GATHERCOLE & BADDELEY, 1993). The main hypothesis was that larger working memory extensions could facilitate the relative clause apposition process, represented by decreased sentence reading and response times for control questions in a self-monitored reading experiment. Statistical analysis of the interaction between memory time and reading patterns revealed that, in general, the higher the level of working memory capacity, the shorter the times for reading critical segments and answering control questions, suggesting a facilitation in online and offline processing.