Title | Second Language Experience Facilitates Statistical Learning of Novel Linguistic Materials. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2017 |
Authors | Potter CE, Wang T, Saffran JR |
Journal | Cogn Sci |
Volume | 41 Suppl 4 |
Pagination | 913-927 |
Date Published | 2017 Apr |
ISSN | 1551-6709 |
Abstract | Recent research has begun to explore individual differences in statistical learning, and how those differences may be related to other cognitive abilities, particularly their effects on language learning. In this research, we explored a different type of relationship between language learning and statistical learning: the possibility that learning a new language may also influence statistical learning by changing the regularities to which learners are sensitive. We tested two groups of participants, Mandarin Learners and Naïve Controls, at two time points, 6 months apart. At each time point, participants performed two different statistical learning tasks: an artificial tonal language statistical learning task and a visual statistical learning task. Only the Mandarin-learning group showed significant improvement on the linguistic task, whereas both groups improved equally on the visual task. These results support the view that there are multiple influences on statistical learning. Domain-relevant experiences may affect the regularities that learners can discover when presented with novel stimuli. |
DOI | 10.1111/cogs.12473 |
Alternate Journal | Cogn Sci |
PubMed ID | 27988939 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC5407950 |
Grant List | P30 HD003352 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States R01 HD037466 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States R37 HD037466 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States |